Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau on Tuesday disagreed with Garba Maidoki, Senator representing Kebbi south, who cited the internal crisis in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as his reason for leaving the party.
Maidoki, had announced his defected from the APC to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing internal crisis and alleged injustice within the ruling party.
The letter announcing his defection was read on the floor of the senate on Tuesday by Jibrin, who presided at the start of plenary.
In the letter addressed to the Senate President and members of the upper chamber, Maidoki said his decision was informed by developments within the APC.
“I am writing to inform Your Excellency, the President of the Senate, and my distinguished colleagues of my defection from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC,” the letter reads.
“My decision is based on the lingering internal crisis of the APC that has made my political inspiration a source of concern.”
The senator said he believes the ADC offers a better platform to advance the interests of his senatorial district and the country.
“I believe that the ideas of the ADC are better for the benefit of my senatorial district and Nigeria at large,” he said.
Maidoki also accused the APC of failing to live up to its principles, particularly during the recently concluded primary elections in Kebbi state.
“The All Progressives Congress, APC, has not exhibited its slogan of justice, peace, and unity, especially in Kebbi State during the just concluded primary elections,” he said.
“It is in this regard, therefore, that I wish to inform you of my defection to the African Democratic Congress, which I believe guarantees my political aspiration.”
Responding after the letter was read, Jibrin disagreed with Maidoki’s claim that the APC was facing an internal crisis.
The deputy senate president said he was willing to intervene and reconcile the senator with party stakeholders.
“But I beg to disagree with you here. There is no internal crisis in the APC,” Jibrin said.
“Let me ask that you allow me to intervene to reconcile you and I know there is no problem, there is no internal problem in the APC in Kebbi state. It might be because of family disputes. If you allow me, I can come in to reconcile you.”
The defection comes weeks after Maidoki resigned his membership of the APC ahead of the party’s senate primary election.
In a letter dated May 14 and addressed to the APC ward chairman in Rafin Zuru ward of Zuru LGA, the lawmaker attributed his resignation to “lingering internal crisis” within the party.
Maidoki currently serves as chairman of the senate committee on legislative compliance and vice-chairman of the committee on information and national orientation.
(Ripples)