The Kebbi State Government has pushed back against comments made by Senator Garba Musa Maidoki, who recently suggested that his failure to secure the APC ticket for another Senate term was linked to his criticism of insecurity in the state.
Speaking through Governor Nasir Idris’ media office, the government said the senator’s explanation was unfounded and appeared to be an attempt to rationalise his defeat in the party’s primary election.
Maidoki had argued during a television appearance that his stance on the recurring security challenges in Kebbi South, particularly in the Zuru area, contributed to his loss. However, the government maintained that combating insecurity requires the involvement of all stakeholders and should not be attributed to one individual.
“The Senator also claimed that he joined politics primarily to fight insecurity because his people were being killed.
“This assertion is far from the truth and appears to be a mere attempt to justify his political setback,” the statement said.
According to the government, voters and party members were within their rights to evaluate the senator’s record and determine whether he deserved another opportunity to represent them.
“Even if we accept his claim that he entered politics to address insecurity in the senatorial district, it is only fair to ask what measurable impact he has made toward achieving that objective.
“If insecurity was his primary reason for seeking office, then the people are entitled to assess his performance and decide whether he deserves another mandate. The reality is that the people have exercised that right,” the statement added.
The administration also dismissed the notion that Governor Idris played any role in deciding the outcome of the APC primary, insisting that such contests are determined by party members and stakeholders.
“It is important to state categorically that His Excellency, Governor Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), does not determine the political fate of elected officials. The Governor firmly believes in democratic principles and respects the will of party members and stakeholders,” the statement read.
The government further highlighted what it described as notable gains in security across affected communities, especially within the Zuru Emirate, noting that improved conditions have encouraged residents to return to their homes and farmlands.
“We therefore urge Senator Maidoki to accept the outcome of the democratic process in good faith and refrain from making allegations that are capable of misleading the public,” the statement concluded.
The exchange comes in the wake of the APC primary election ahead of the 2027 polls, where Maidoki was unsuccessful in his bid to retain the party’s nomination.