Political tensions have emerged in Kebbi State following a sharp disagreement between the state government and the senator representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, Garba Musa Maidoki, over the circumstances surrounding his failure to secure the All Progressives Congress ticket for re-election.
The Kebbi State Government on Thursday dismissed allegations by Maidoki that he was denied the APC senatorial ticket because of his persistent criticism of insecurity in the state, particularly in communities within the troubled Zuru axis.
The government described the senator’s claims as misleading, insisting that his loss in the party’s internal selection process had nothing to do with his public comments on security challenges facing parts of the state.
The controversy erupted after Maidoki appeared on a Channels Television programme, where he alleged that his outspoken stance on the worsening security situation in Kebbi South cost him the opportunity to secure the ruling party’s endorsement for another term in the National Assembly.
According to the senator, he had repeatedly raised concerns about the activities of bandits and armed criminal groups operating in several communities within the Zuru Emirate and surrounding areas. He suggested that his criticism of the handling of the security situation may have angered influential figures within the party hierarchy.
The comments quickly generated reactions across the state, with political observers debating whether internal party politics or other considerations influenced the APC’s decision during its candidate selection process.
Responding to the allegations, the Kebbi State Government, through a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, Ahmed Idris, rejected the senator’s narrative and accused him of attempting to justify his inability to retain the party’s confidence.
The government maintained that security concerns in Kebbi State have never been treated as a partisan issue and that various stakeholders, including elected officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies, have consistently engaged in discussions aimed at addressing the problem.
Ahmed Idris stated that it was inaccurate for Maidoki to portray himself as a victim of political persecution because of his comments on insecurity, stressing that several public office holders have openly discussed security challenges without facing any political consequences from the party.
The statement argued that the senator’s explanation was merely an effort to create a public impression that he lost the APC ticket because he spoke truth to power, rather than accepting the outcome of the party’s internal democratic processes.
The government further insisted that the APC in Kebbi State remains committed to allowing its structures and members to determine candidates through established procedures, adding that no individual was targeted for expressing opinions on matters affecting the welfare and security of citizens.
Officials also pointed to the efforts of Governor Nasir Idris’s administration in tackling insecurity across affected communities.
According to the government, the state has continued to collaborate with federal security agencies, local vigilante groups, traditional institutions, and neighbouring states to confront criminal activities threatening lives and livelihoods.
The Zuru axis, which comprises several local government areas in the southern part of Kebbi State, has in recent years experienced recurring attacks by bandits. Residents have faced incidents of kidnapping, cattle rustling, attacks on villages, and displacement, making security one of the most pressing issues in the region.
The situation has frequently attracted public attention, with political leaders and community representatives calling for stronger measures to restore peace and stability.
While Maidoki has been among those who publicly raised concerns over the attacks, the state government argued that his position was neither unique nor controversial, noting that many stakeholders have voiced similar concerns while working with authorities to find lasting solutions.
Political analysts believe the dispute reflects deeper divisions within the ruling party ahead of future electoral contests in the state. Some observers suggest that the disagreement may expose lingering grievances arising from the APC’s candidate selection process, while others view it as part of a broader struggle for political influence within Kebbi South.
Supporters of the senator have defended his comments, arguing that elected representatives have a responsibility to speak out when communities face security threats. They contend that citizens deserve transparency regarding efforts to address insecurity and should not be discouraged from demanding accountability from public officials.
However, government supporters have countered that linking the loss of a party ticket to criticism of insecurity risks politicising a serious issue that affects thousands of residents.
As the debate continues, attention remains focused on the security challenges confronting communities in Kebbi South and the broader efforts by state and federal authorities to curb criminal activities in the region.
For now, the Kebbi State Government has firmly rejected Maidoki’s allegations, maintaining that his failure to secure the APC ticket was unrelated to his public statements on insecurity and insisting that the senator should accept the outcome of the party’s internal processes rather than attribute it to political retaliation.
The disagreement is expected to fuel further discussions within political circles in Kebbi State, particularly as parties continue to reposition themselves ahead of future elections and as residents demand lasting solutions to the security challenges affecting their communities.
