The defection of three senators from Kebbi State from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) tells a deeper story of political homecomings, renewed alliances, and shifting loyalties.
The senators—Muhammad Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Musa Maidoki (Kebbi South)—each took turns on the Senate floor to explain their reasons, the senators framed it as a return to their political roots and a response to their constituents’ needs. They further pointed to insecurity, underdevelopment, and what they called the PDP’s “loss of direction” as major factors behind their decision.
Senator Aliero, who once governed Kebbi State, said his move back to APC was about aligning with a platform that could “actually deliver” progress. “This is not just politics; it’s about what’s best for the people I serve,” he said. He described the PDP as disconnected and divided, unable to meet the growing expectations of the people.
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, a former Senate Leader, called the switch a “homecoming.” He left APC in 2022 due to political rifts in the state, but said those issues have now been resolved. “I’m returning to contribute to President Tinubu’s agenda of rebuilding Nigeria,” he said.
The third senator, Garba Maidoki, gave a personal account of how insecurity had ravaged his senatorial district. “When I took office last year, over 100 villages were under attack by bandits. Today, people are returning home and farming again. The APC-led government made that possible,” he said.
The Senate chamber was filled with applause from APC members. As Senator Aliero put it, “I haven’t changed my loyalty to my people. I’m just changing the platform through which I serve them.”
