Kebbi Government Rejects Maidoki's Claim of Victimization Over Security Concerns

The Kebbi State Government has rejected claims made by Senator Garba Musa Maidoki that Governor Nasir Idris denied him a return ticket and retaliated against him for voicing concerns about insecurity in the state.

In a statement released on Thursday, Ahmed Idris, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, called the allegation “unfounded” and described it as an attempt to explain the senator’s recent political setback.

Maidoki, who represents Kebbi South Senatorial District, accused the governor of victimising him after he highlighted bandit attacks and other security challenges affecting communities in his district. The accusation came shortly after the senator defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing alleged injustice and ongoing internal conflict within the ruling party.

The state government said it was misleading for the senator to claim that he was denied a return ticket because of his comments on insecurity.

According to the statement, the fight against insecurity is a collective responsibility that involves governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and citizens, and cannot be attributed to the actions of a single individual.

“It is therefore misleading for Senator Maidoki to suggest that he was denied a return ticket simply because he spoke about insecurity. Such a claim amounts to an excuse for his lack of performance and inability to maintain the confidence of his constituents,” the statement said.

The government maintained that Governor Idris does not determine the political fate of elected officials, insisting that political fortunes are shaped by performance, acceptance and the confidence of party members and voters.

It also rejected suggestions that the governor influenced the outcome of the APC primaries in the state, stressing that candidates emerged through established democratic processes.

“The Governor firmly believes in democratic principles and respects the will of party members and stakeholders. To attribute one’s political misfortune to the Governor is both unfair and unfounded,” the statement added.

The government urged Maidoki to accept the outcome of the party’s primary elections in good faith and refrain from making allegations that could mislead the public.