ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The senator representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, Ibrahim Lamido, has identified persistent insecurity and recurring bandit attacks on his constituents as the main reason behind his planned exit from the All Progressives Congress.
Lamido decried the devastation of several villages within his district by bandits, noting that many residents have been displaced and their means of livelihood destroyed.
Speaking with journalists in Sokoto on Friday, the lawmaker linked his decision to quit the ruling party to the rising wave of violence in Sokoto East and what he described as the government’s insufficient response.
He stressed that his decision was informed by the need to reflect the concerns of his constituents rather than personal or political ambitions.
The senator disclosed that repeated attempts to attract federal intervention and highlight the worsening security situation had produced minimal results.
“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.
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Following wide consultations with supporters, political allies, and community leaders, he said a consensus was reached to leave the APC and pursue an alternative political platform that prioritises security and grassroots development.
Lamido emphasised that protecting lives and property is the core responsibility of any government, adding that leaders must be held accountable when they fall short.
He also called on the federal government to step up efforts to tackle banditry and restore peace in Sokoto State and other affected northern regions, warning that continued inaction could worsen the humanitarian situation.
Sokoto East Senatorial District, which covers areas such as Sabon Birni, Isa, and Rabah, has emerged as one of the major hotspots of banditry in northwestern Nigeria in recent years.
Armed groups have repeatedly launched attacks on rural communities, leading to killings, kidnappings, and widespread displacement.
Despite ongoing military operations and security interventions, attacks have continued sporadically, forcing residents to flee to safer locations or neighbouring towns.
The deteriorating security situation has heightened political and humanitarian concerns, with stakeholders calling for more decisive measures to restore stability.
Although Lamido did not reveal his next political move, some of his close associates who recently left the APC are reportedly aligning with the African Democratic Congress.