Sokoto Senator resigns from APC, cites insecurity, hardship

The senator representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, Ibrahim Lamido, has announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress, citing concerns over insecurity and the welfare of his constituents.

Lamido disclosed his decision in a post via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, saying it takes immediate effect.

“I, Senator Ibrahim Lamido, representing the good people of Sokoto East Senatorial District, hereby resign from the APC with immediate effect,” he said.

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Lamido explained that his decision was driven by what he described as the party’s inability to protect his constituents and address their challenges.

“My decision is based on the party’s failure to safeguard the people I represent and the hardship currently being faced by them.

“This defection is primarily in the interest of the people I represent,” he added.

Lamido, however, did not indicate his next political move or whether he plans to join another party.

Recall that Lamido had cited persistent insecurity and bandit attacks on his constituents as the primary reason for his planned departure from the APC.

Lamido lamented that numerous villages in his district had been ravaged by bandits, displacing residents and destroying their livelihoods.

Speaking with journalists in Sokoto on Friday, the senator attributed his decision to leave the ruling party to the escalating violence in Sokoto East and what he described as the government’s inadequate response.

The senator emphasised that his move was driven by the need to align with his constituents’ concerns rather than personal or political interests.

He revealed that repeated efforts to secure federal intervention and draw attention to the worsening insecurity had yielded little result.

“My people are enduring untold hardship. Bandits have destroyed entire communities, and I cannot remain in a system that has failed to demonstrate sufficient commitment to resolving this crisis,” Lamido stated.

After extensive consultations with supporters, political associates, and community leaders, he said a consensus was reached to leave the APC and seek a political platform that prioritises security and grassroots development.

Lamido stressed that safeguarding lives and property is the fundamental duty of any government, adding that leaders must be held accountable when they fall short.

He urged the federal government to intensify efforts to combat banditry and restore peace in Sokoto State and other affected northern regions, warning that continued inaction could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.