August 27, 2026

Kwara Lawmaker Resigns From APC Over Alleged Lack of Internal Democracy

The member representing Edu State Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Saba Gideon, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing concerns over internal democracy, fairness and inclusiveness within the party.

 

Gideon confirmed his resignation to journalists via telephone in Ilorin on Thursday.

 

The lawmaker announced his resignation in a letter dated August 19, 2026, addressed to the APC Ward Chairman of Tsaragi Ward 3 in Edu Local Government Area.

 

Gideon, who chairs the House Committee on Livestock, said the decision followed consultations with his constituents and other stakeholders.

 

“I hereby formally resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress, effective immediately,” he stated.

 

He said recent developments within the party, particularly issues surrounding internal democracy, fairness and inclusiveness, had compelled him to resign after careful consideration.

 

“This decision follows careful reflection and consultations with my constituents and key stakeholders.

 

“Recent developments within the party, particularly concerning internal democracy, fairness and inclusiveness, have led me to take this decision,” he said.

 

The lawmaker, however, said his resignation would not affect his commitment to his constituents.

 

“I remain committed to serving the people of Edu State Constituency, Kwara State, and Nigeria with integrity, dedication, and accountability,” he added.

 

Gideon thanked the APC and its members for the opportunity and support he received during his membership of the party.

 

He did not disclose his next political destination as of the time of filing this report.

 

Gideon’s resignation comes months after he was suspended by the Kwara State House of Assembly for three months over allegations of contempt and breach of legislative privilege.

 

The Assembly suspended him on December 18, 2025, after accusing him of secretly recording a closed-door meeting and sharing the audio with an unauthorised person.

 

The Leader of the House, Abdulkadir Magaji, moved the motion for his suspension, citing provisions of the House rules on privileges and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017.

 

The Speaker, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, said the unauthorised recording and circulation of the meeting could bring the legislative institution into disrepute.

 

“Hon. Gideon’s conduct amounted to contempt and a breach of privilege,” the Speaker said while reading the House resolution.

 

The Assembly also directed Gideon to submit a written apology within the three-month suspension period.

 

However, Gideon challenged the suspension in court, and in February 2026, the Kwara State High Court nullified the action, declaring it unconstitutional, unlawful and of no legal effect.

 

The court held that the suspension, which was carried out through a motion without notice, breached the lawmaker’s rights and was not supported by the relevant provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and the Assembly’s rules.

 

The ruling marked a significant development in the dispute between Gideon and the Assembly leadership months before his eventual resignation from the APC.