The three senators representing Kebbi State at the National Assembly have officially announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), explaining that the move was based on political necessity and the interest of their constituents.
The senators—Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South)—made their decision known through individual letters addressed to the Senate President. These letters were read out during Tuesday’s plenary session, presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau.
Senator Aliero, a former governor of Kebbi State, noted in his letter that the decision to return to the APC followed months of serious consideration and discussions with political associates and stakeholders. According to him, the PDP has lost touch with the expectations of Nigerians.
“I have made the decision to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party and rejoin the All Progressive Party (APC) of which I was a founding member,” Aliero wrote.
He added that while he valued his time with the PDP, he felt it was time to focus on results and leadership that benefits the people. Aliero noted that internal conflicts, lack of a clear direction, and an inability to present a strong development plan within the PDP were major factors in his choice.
On the other hand, he praised the APC’s current agenda and said it was more in line with what he hopes to achieve for his constituency. “Nigeria must move forward and today, I move forward with the people for the people and in the interest of our shared future,” he added.
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi also made it clear that his return to the APC was a result of reconciliation within his state. He noted that the political disagreements which led to his earlier exit from the party had now been settled, especially with the involvement of Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi.
“Recall, on June 14, 2022, I withdrew my membership of the APC and resigned my position as the leader of the ninth Senate following political disagreements in my state,” Abdullahi wrote. “I am happy to note that those disagreements have been effectively resolved by the incumbent governor.”
For Senator Maidoki, the ongoing troubles within the PDP and the need to support the APC’s “Renewed Hope” initiative pushed him to make the switch. He also pointed out improvements in security in his senatorial district as a key outcome of the APC-led administration.
“When I was sworn in as a senator in June 2023, more than 100 villages in my senatorial district were occupied by bandits and in constant fear of kidnappings, rape and cattle rustling,” Maidoki noted. “To the glory of God, the deployment of troops in part of my constituency has played significant roles in proactive security of the area and my people have almost all returned back and farming peacefully.”
In response, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele welcomed the new APC members, stating that their decision was based on patriotism and not self-interest.
“These are not politicians who need to be persuaded or forced,” he said. “They are not in politics so that they can feed; but they recognise the fact that this is not the time for us to grandstand.”
