By Our Correspondent
National News – Senator Ibrahim Lamido, who represents the Sokoto East Senatorial District, has announced plans to leave the All Progressives Congress, citing worsening insecurity and persistent bandit attacks in his constituency.
The lawmaker made the disclosure on Friday while speaking with journalists in Sokoto, saying the safety crisis affecting communities in his district has forced him to reconsider his political alignment.
Lamido said his decision followed months of violent attacks by armed bandits across several communities in Sokoto East.
According to him, villages have been repeatedly attacked, residents displaced, and livelihoods destroyed as insecurity continues to escalate in the region.
He explained that remaining in the ruling party had become difficult as many of his constituents continue to suffer from the ongoing violence.
The senator noted that the move was not driven by personal ambition but by the need to represent the concerns of the people who elected him.
He revealed that he had repeatedly raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation and sought federal intervention, but the response had not met the expectations of affected communities.
“My people are facing untold hardship. Entire villages have been destroyed by bandits, and many residents have been forced to flee their homes,” Lamido said.
“As a representative of the people, I cannot stay in a system that has not shown enough commitment to solving this crisis.”
Lamido stated that after wide consultations with community leaders, political associates, and supporters, a collective decision was reached to leave the party and pursue a political platform that prioritises security, community protection, and grassroots development.
Sokoto East Senatorial District, which includes Sabon Birni, Isa, and Rabah local government areas, has become one of the major hotspots of banditry in northwestern Nigeria.
Over the past few years, armed groups have carried out attacks involving killings, kidnappings, and destruction of homes and farmlands.
Despite ongoing military operations aimed at restoring peace in the region, sporadic attacks still occur, forcing many residents to relocate to safer communities or nearby towns.
Lamido urged the Federal Government to intensify security operations to restore peace and prevent further humanitarian crises in affected areas.
Although the senator did not reveal the political party he intends to join next, some of his close allies who recently left the APC have reportedly moved to the African Democratic Congress.
