Kwara Assembly member dumps APC

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

The lawmaker confirmed his resignation to The PUNCH via a telephone call in Ilorin on Thursday.

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

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

“I hereby formally resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress, effective immediately,” Gideon said in the letter.

He said recent developments within the party had compelled him to take the decision after what he described as careful reflection.

“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,” Gideon stated.

The lawmaker, however, said his resignation from the APC 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 said.

Gideon also thanked the APC and its members for the opportunity and support he received while in the party.

“Thank you for the opportunity to serve and for the support received during my membership of the party,” he added.

The lawmaker 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 had, on December 18, 2025, suspended the Edu lawmaker 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 were capable of bringing 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 at the time.

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 development marked a major chapter in the controversy that rocked the Assembly and set Gideon on a collision course with its leadership months before his eventual resignation from the APC.