From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State have criticised Senator Garba Musa Maidoki, who represents Kebbi South Senatorial District, describing his recent comments as misleading.
They said his remarks reflected political immaturity, insensitivity to the plight of his constituents, and selfishness.
In a statement issued by Abdullahi Idris, Sadaukin Zuru and Special Adviser on Continuity and Strategy to the Kebbi State Governor, the stakeholders alleged that Maidoki’s frequent media comments on the security challenges in Zuru were driven by frustration over his growing disconnect from his constituents.
“Since 1999, Kebbi State has largely elected representatives with proven experience and verifiable contributions to community development.
“In a developing democracy like ours, a track record, sincerity of purpose, and the capacity to deliver remain the true tests of any aspiring leader,” the stakeholders said.
They noted that Senator Maidoki joined partisan politics under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 and defected to the APC a year later.
The stakeholders further alleged that, one year into his tenure, the senator had not executed any verifiable constituency projects or provided direct support to communities, including victims of insecurity in Kebbi South, despite claiming to sympathise with them.
They also alleged that he had failed to attend several state and emirate-level consultative meetings convened to address security challenges, particularly in the Zuru Emirate.
“Leadership in times of insecurity demands presence, not press statements,” the statement said.
“Crocodile tears cannot substitute for engagement with victims or support for security agencies on the ground,” it added.
Responding to claims that he was denied the APC ticket, the stakeholders clarified that Senator Maidoki was not a member of the party when the primaries were conducted and therefore was ineligible to participate.
They also criticised the senator over what they described as his “irresponsible” remarks about the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami Gomo III.
According to them, traditional institutions should not be dragged into partisan disputes to gain political sympathy.
They reminded Senator Maidoki that the Emir has enjoyed widespread acceptance and popularity among the people of the Zuru Emirate since his enthronement.
“Politics requires integrity, service, and humility. The people of Kebbi South deserve representation anchored on results, not rhetoric,” the statement concluded.
The stakeholders also urged politicians in opposition parties in the state to recognise the overwhelming support Governor Nasir Idris enjoys among the people of Kebbi State.
They said the governor’s popularity and achievements under the APC administration have strengthened calls for the continuation of his leadership beyond 2027.
The stakeholders advised Senator Maidoki, whom they described as a political liability, to take responsibility for his political challenges, which they claimed had contributed to the decline of his political influence.