The Senator representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, Ibrahim Lamido, has announced his decision to leave the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing worsening insecurity and what he described as insufficient response to the growing security crisis affecting communities within his constituency.
Lamido’s planned exit comes amid rising concerns over persistent banditry and a deepening humanitarian situation in parts of northwestern Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto State. The lawmaker made his position known while addressing journalists in Sokoto on Friday, where he expressed frustration over continued attacks and the hardship faced by residents of his district.
According to the senator, the ongoing violence across Sokoto East has made it impossible for him to continue his political association with the ruling party, stating that the realities faced by his constituents no longer reflect the promises made to them by political leaders.
He explained that communities within the senatorial district have endured repeated attacks by armed groups, leading to widespread displacement and destruction of livelihoods. Lamido painted a grim picture of daily life for residents, noting that several villages have been overrun by bandits, forcing families to abandon their homes and farmlands in search of safety.
Farming activities, which serve as the primary source of income for many households in the region, have been severely disrupted. According to him, the abandonment of farms has worsened poverty levels and heightened food insecurity, leaving many families struggling to survive.
“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 during the briefing.
The senator emphasized that his decision to leave the APC was not taken lightly. He revealed that he engaged in extensive consultations with traditional leaders, political associates, community stakeholders, and supporters before arriving at the decision. According to him, the collective view from these discussions was that a new political direction had become necessary in order to better represent the interests and safety of the people.
Lamido also disclosed that he had repeatedly raised alarms about the deteriorating security situation at the federal level. He said he had made several attempts to draw attention to the plight of communities affected by bandit attacks but expressed disappointment that those efforts did not result in significant or lasting intervention.
He noted that the lack of meaningful response to the crisis played a major role in his decision to step away from the ruling party, adding that leadership must be judged by its ability to protect citizens and safeguard lives and property.
The lawmaker rejected suggestions that his resignation was motivated by personal political ambition. Instead, he described the move as a moral obligation driven by responsibility to his constituents, many of whom continue to live under constant fear of attacks.
According to him, governance must prioritise security above all else, stressing that elected officials must hold governments accountable whenever they fall short of their constitutional duties.
Lamido further called on the federal government to intensify efforts to combat banditry not only in Sokoto State but across the wider northern region, where insecurity has continued to disrupt social and economic activities. He warned that failure to act decisively could worsen the humanitarian crisis and further destabilise already vulnerable communities.
Sokoto East Senatorial District, which includes local government areas such as Sabon Birni, Isa, and Rabah, has in recent years emerged as one of the regions hardest hit by banditry in northwestern Nigeria. Frequent attacks on villages have resulted in killings, kidnappings, and destruction of homes and infrastructure, forcing thousands of residents to relocate to safer areas or internally displaced persons’ camps.
Despite ongoing military operations aimed at restoring security, many residents continue to face uncertainty, with reports indicating that armed groups still operate in remote communities. The persistent insecurity has also affected access to education and healthcare services, compounding the humanitarian challenges faced by displaced families.
While Lamido did not clearly state his next political destination, political observers have noted growing speculation about his possible alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Some of his close allies who recently left the APC are reportedly associated with the party, fueling discussions about a potential political realignment ahead of future elections.
His defection adds to ongoing political developments within Nigeria’s political landscape, where concerns over security, governance, and party loyalty continue to shape alliances and electoral strategies.
As reactions continue to emerge from political stakeholders and constituents, Lamido reiterated that his primary concern remains the safety and welfare of the people of Sokoto East, urging authorities at all levels to take urgent and coordinated action to address insecurity and restore normalcy to affected communities.
