The Kebbi State Government has dismissed claims by the senator representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, Garba Musa Maidoki, that he was denied the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for re-election because of his criticism of insecurity in the state.
The government described the allegation as misleading and an attempt to justify the senator’s failure to secure the party’s ticket.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, Ahmed Idris, the government said Maidoki’s claim was far from the truth.
Maidoki had alleged during a television programme on Channels Television that he lost the APC ticket because of his outspoken criticism of insecurity in parts of Kebbi South, particularly the Zuru axis, which has suffered repeated attacks by bandits.
Reacting, the state government said insecurity was a collective responsibility involving governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and residents.
“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.
The government argued that if insecurity was Maidoki’s primary reason for seeking office, the people were entitled to assess his performance and determine whether he deserved another mandate.
“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 government also dismissed suggestions that Governor Idris influenced the outcome of the APC primary election.
“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.
According to him, political fortunes are determined by performance, acceptance and the confidence of the electorate, not by the governor.
The government maintained that the outcome of the APC primary election reflected the decision of party members and stakeholders who participated in the process.
It also said the Idris administration had recorded significant progress in tackling insecurity, particularly in the Zuru Emirate, one of the areas most affected by banditry and kidnapping in the state.
Ahmed Idris said improved security had enabled many residents to return to their communities and farms.
“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 controversy followed the APC primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections, in which Maidoki failed to secure the party’s ticket for another term in the Senate.
The PUNCH