Kebbi Govt Rebuts Maidoki’s Allegation on APC Ticket Loss

ABUJA — The Kebbi State Government has dismissed allegations by Senator Garba Musa Maidoki that his criticism of insecurity in Kebbi South led to his failure to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for re-election.

In a statement released by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, the government described Maidoki’s claim as misleading and an attempt to explain away his political setback.

Senator Maidoki, representing Kebbi South, had alleged during a television interview that his outspoken remarks on insecurity, particularly in Zuru Emirate, cost him the APC ticket. He claimed his criticism of repeated bandit attacks in the area made him a target within the party.

The Kebbi Government rejected the claim, stressing that insecurity is a collective challenge requiring the efforts of government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and residents.

The statement argued that if insecurity was Maidoki’s primary reason for entering politics, then his constituents had the right to evaluate his performance. “Even if we accept his claim, it is only fair to ask what measurable impact he has made toward achieving that objective. The people have exercised their right to decide,” the government said.

The government also dismissed suggestions that Governor Nasir Idris influenced the APC primary outcome. It emphasised that the governor respects democratic principles and does not interfere with the political fate of elected officials.

“Political fortunes are determined by performance, acceptance and the confidence of the electorate, not by the governor,” the statement added.

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According to the government, the APC primary election outcome reflected the decision of party members and stakeholders who participated in the process. It maintained that the result was a product of internal democracy rather than external influence.

The statement highlighted progress made by the Idris administration in tackling insecurity in Zuru Emirate. It noted that improved security measures had enabled displaced residents to return to their communities and resume farming activities.

Ahmed Idris urged Senator Maidoki to accept the outcome of the democratic process in good faith and avoid making allegations capable of misleading the public.

The controversy follows the APC primary election ahead of the 2027 general polls, where Maidoki failed to secure the party’s ticket for another term in the Senate. His claim has sparked debate about the intersection of political ambition and insecurity in Kebbi State.

The Kebbi Government’s rebuttal underscores the tension between party leadership and aspirants as political alignments continue ahead of the 2027 elections. The dispute highlights the challenge of balancing political ambition with accountability in addressing insecurity.

While Senator Maidoki insists his criticism of insecurity cost him the APC ticket, the Kebbi Government maintains that his loss was a reflection of party members’ decision. The administration reiterated that performance, acceptance, and grassroots confidence remain the true determinants of political success.

As Kebbi prepares for the 2027 elections, the episode illustrates the growing importance of credibility, measurable impact, and unity in shaping political fortunes.