Gov Idris turned against me for raising concerns over insecurity in Kebbi — Maidoki

Senator Garba Maidoki, representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, has accused Governor Nasir Idris of victimising him for drawing national attention to the worsening insecurity in parts of the state, particularly within his constituency.

Maidoki made the allegation while speaking with journalists shortly after formally defecting from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, on the floor of the Senate.

The lawmaker said he had no regrets over leaving the ruling party, insisting that he acted in the interest of his constituents by speaking out against bandit attacks and other security challenges affecting communities in Kebbi South.

According to him, his relationship with the governor deteriorated after he raised concerns on the floor of the Senate over the security situation in the state and appealed for intervention.

“What is my fault in Kebbi? I stood up here in the Senate to tell Nigerians to assist us, that bandits are killing us, and suddenly, the governor thought I was fighting him. I have never fought the governor,” he said.

Maidoki maintained that his primary responsibility was to represent the interests of his constituents and advocate for improved security and development in the area.

“All I want is for the dividends of democracy to reach my people. I cried out because my people asked me to. I will continue to do so for their benefit, the benefit of Kebbi State and Nigeria generally,” he added.

The senator also expressed confidence in his political future following his defection to the ADC, stating that the people of Kebbi South remained firmly behind him and would support his return to the Senate in the 2027 general election.

He further accused political interests in Kebbi Central of attempting to influence political decisions in Kebbi South, insisting that such interference would be resisted by the people of the district.