Senator Garba Maidoki, who represents the Kebbi South Senatorial District, has officially changed his political affiliation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

This announcement was made during a Senate session on Tuesday, when Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin read the letter detailing Maidoki’s defection.

In his letter, Maidoki expressed that his decision was motivated by concerns regarding recent developments within the APC, highlighting issues of alleged injustice and ongoing internal conflicts within the ruling party.

His words: “I am writing to inform Your Excellency, the President of the Senate, and the distinguished colleagues of my defection from the All Progressives Congress APC to the African Democratic Congress ADC.

“My decision is based on the lingering internal crisis of the APC that has made my political inspiration a source of concern. I believe that the ideas of the ADC are better for the benefit of my senatorial district and Nigeria at large.

“The All Progressives Congress APC has not exhibited its slogan as justice, peace, and unity, especially in Kebbi State during the just concluded primary elections.

“It is in this regard therefore that I wish to inform you of my defection to the African Democratic Congress which I believe guarantees my political aspiration.”

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to candidates who won the bye-elections held on June 20, 2026, in Rivers, Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo and Kano states.

The electoral body announced the development in a statement, noting that the certificates were presented on behalf of its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), by the Supervising National Commissioner for Rivers State, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu.

Addressing the newly elected officials during the presentation, Agbamuche-Mbu congratulated them on their victories and urged them to place the interests of their constituents above all else.

“The most important responsibility before you is to represent your constituents well,” Agbamuche-Mbu said.

She also reminded the winners of the trust reposed in them by the electorate, urging them to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, commitment and integrity.

INEC further disclosed that Certificates of Return would soon be presented to winners of other recently concluded elections, including the Zuru State Constituency election in Kebbi State and the Ekiti State governorship election.

According to the Commission, the presentation of the certificates followed the successful conclusion of the June 20, 2026, bye-elections.

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has dismissed allegations that the former governor of Kano State and current vice presidential candidate of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, purchased dozens of its nomination forms to hijack its structure.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, the National Chairman of the PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, clarified that the party operates a centralized system where all nomination forms are strictly managed and distributed from its national headquarters.

“We do not sell nomination forms in Kano; all forms are sold from Abuja,” Baba-Ahmed said during the broadcast.

“The man who claimed that 69 forms were sold to Kwankwaso is not known to the party. He holds no position, has no authority to sell nomination forms on behalf of the party, and we do not recognize him.”

Recall that the Chairman of the PRP Northwest Stakeholders Forum, Abdulkadir Musa Guza, recently alleged that Kwankwaso had purchased all 69 nomination forms available for elective positions in the state.

Guza accused the former governor of executing a calculated plot to sponsor his own loyalists and take control of the political platform ahead of the upcoming elections.

Responding to these claims, Baba-Ahmed reiterated that the individual behind the allegations has no legitimacy to act or speak on behalf of the party.

Baba-Ahmed revealed that he phoned Kwankwaso and the former governor was as shocked as he is on the allegation.