Senator Ibrahim Lamido, representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, says worsening insecurity in his constituency informed his decision to defect to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
Speaking with journalists in Sokoto on Thursday, the lawmaker said the move was driven by the concerns of his constituents, who he said face persistent attacks by bandits.
He said residents of the district are regularly exposed to killings, kidnappings and displacement, adding that the situation has disrupted livelihoods and economic activities.
Lamido accused the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government at both state and federal levels of not doing enough to address the security challenges.
According to him, his constituents believe a new political platform could provide a different approach to tackling the crisis.
The senator acknowledged ongoing legal disputes within the ADC but said they would not affect his decision to join the party.
He also disagreed with recent claims by Governor Ahmed Aliyu that security efforts in parts of the state were yielding results, stating that the situation in Sokoto East remains dire.
Lamido said many residents now live in fear, with movement restricted due to the threat of attacks.
He called for increased deployment of security personnel, improved intelligence gathering and better logistics to tackle insecurity in the area.
The lawmaker also stressed the need for humanitarian support for displaced persons and long-term measures to address underlying issues such as poverty and unemployment.
He reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising the safety and well-being of his constituents.
