Kebbi Govt Refutes Maidoki’s APC Ticket Claim, Says Defeat Not Linked to Insecurity Criticism
The Kebbi State Government has dismissed allegations by the senator representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, Garba Musa Maidoki, that he lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for re-election because of his criticism of insecurity in the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, Ahmed Idris, the government described the claim as misleading and an attempt to rationalise the senator’s failure to secure the party’s nomination ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Maidoki had alleged during an appearance on Channels Television that his outspoken stance on insecurity, particularly in the troubled Zuru axis of Kebbi South, cost him the APC ticket.
Responding to the allegation, the state government said insecurity remains a collective challenge that requires the involvement of all levels of government, security agencies, traditional leaders and community members.
The government further challenged Maidoki’s assertion that he entered politics primarily to address insecurity in his constituency, arguing that voters have the right to evaluate his performance and determine whether he deserves another term in office.
According to the statement, if tackling insecurity was indeed the senator’s main objective, the electorate was justified in assessing the impact of his efforts before making their decision at the polls.
The government also rejected suggestions that Governor Nasir Idris influenced the outcome of the APC primary election, insisting that the governor respects democratic principles and does not determine the political future of elected officials.
It maintained that political success is earned through performance, public acceptance and the confidence of party members and voters, not through the intervention of the governor.
Ahmed Idris said the outcome of the APC primary reflected the collective decision of party stakeholders who participated in the process.
He also highlighted what he described as significant gains in the fight against insecurity under the Idris administration, especially in the Zuru Emirate, which has been heavily affected by banditry and kidnapping.
According to the government, improved security conditions have enabled many displaced residents to return to their communities and resume farming activities.
The statement urged Senator Maidoki to accept the outcome of the primary election in good faith and avoid making claims capable of misleading the public.
The controversy follows the APC primary election for the 2027 polls, in which Maidoki failed to secure the party’s ticket to seek another term in the Senate.
