Twists in Sokoto politics over Tambuwal’s defection to ADC

The defection of former Sokoto State governor and senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has introduced new dynamics into the evolving political landscape of Sokoto State. Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto State, had last week, announced his resignation from the PDP, citing persistent internal crises, leadership disagreements […]

The defection of former Sokoto State governor and senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has introduced new dynamics into the evolving political landscape of Sokoto State.

Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto State, had last week, announced his resignation from the PDP, citing persistent internal crises, leadership disagreements and increasing divisions within the party.

For many observers, the move signals an attempt by the former governor to reposition himself and his allies on a new political platform ahead of future electoral contests. However, early reactions within the party suggest that Tambuwal’s arrival may also test the fragile unity of the ADC in the state.

Shortly after news of his entry emerged, a faction within the party questioned the legitimacy of the process that led to his admission. In a statement reportedly signed by the party’s publicity secretary, Murtala Aliyu, the group argued that due procedures were not followed. According to them, party leaders at the ward and local government levels in Tambuwal Local Government Area were not consulted before the decision was made.

The development highlights the lingering leadership contest within the party’s state structure.

While another faction aligned with the party’s former governorship candidate, Bello Isiyaku Keagan, welcomed Tambuwal into the fold, rival members insist that such a decision cannot be taken unilaterally.

The disagreement reflects deeper structural tensions that have long characterized many smaller political parties in Nigeria. In the absence of strong institutional frameworks, rival blocs often compete for recognition and control, complicating efforts to build a cohesive political platform.

Tambuwal, however, appears to have thrown his weight behind the Keagan-led faction, which he believes enjoys recognition from the party’s national leadership. While this may strengthen that faction politically, it does not automatically resolve the broader question of internal cohesion.

Indeed, the coming months could prove decisive for the party in Sokoto State.

The planned congresses to elect party officials at ward, local government, and state levels will not only determine the party’s leadership structure but also shape the balance of power within the ADC.

Although such exercises are routine in party administration, they often become flashpoints for rivalry. If not carefully managed, they could deepen divisions rather than promote unity.

Beyond the leadership question lies another sensitive issue: the contest for the party’s governorship ticket. Several prominent figures have already been mentioned as potential aspirants within the ADC.

Among them are Tambuwal’s former deputy, Maniru Dan’iya; former governorship candidate Sa’idu Ubandoma; former Minister of Transport Yusuf Suleiman; and former ambassador Faruk Malami Yabo.

The presence of multiple aspirants may indicate that the party is gradually attracting political heavyweights. Yet it also presents the risk of internal competition that, if poorly managed, could weaken the party’s chances ahead of the next election cycle.

Political analysts argue that the ADC leadership must prioritize transparency and inclusiveness in managing these ambitions. Ensuring fairness in candidate selection, they say, will be critical in preventing post-primary grievances that often lead to defections.

Tambuwal’s extensive political experience could prove valuable in navigating these challenges. Over the years, he has built considerable political networks across Sokoto State and beyond, which may help mobilize support for the party.

Still, personal influence alone cannot substitute for institutional stability. The ADC must not only reconcile its internal factions but also articulate a clear political message capable of resonating with voters.

Commenting on the situation, political analyst Malam Kabiru Assada noted that selecting a governorship candidate among several influential aspirants poses a significant challenge for the party.

“This is not a small problem because it could create serious issues for the party, especially if some aspirants are not satisfied with the process used in selecting the candidate,” he said.

Assada, however, expressed optimism that the leadership dispute could be addressed through the forthcoming congresses expected to elect new party officials from the ward level up to the state level. According to him, the process could help foster reconciliation within the party.

He also advised that those who may lose out in the internal contests should be accommodated through appointments or other political arrangements to prevent defections, noting that the Tambuwal faction currently appears to wield stronger influence within the party.

Assada further cautioned that unseating the ruling party will not be an easy task, although precedents exist. He cited political shifts in Zamfara State involving former governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, as well as former governor Mahmud Shinkafi. Similar political turnovers, he noted, have also occurred in Kano State and Kaduna State, though not without challenges.

Reacting to the development, the new chairman of the APC in Sokoto state, Alhaji Haruna Adiya, said the party is not disturbed by the unfolding situation, insisting that Tambuwal and his associates do not pose any threat.

He said the individuals involved are the same politicians who were overwhelmingly rejected by voters during the 2023 elections, largely due to what he described as Tambuwal’s failure to deliver meaningful development to the people of the state while in office.

“As far as we are concerned, it is simply old wine in a new bottle. The taste remains the same. The people of Sokoto State will reject them again, just as they did in the past.” Adiya said

For now, Tambuwal’s defection has drawn renewed attention to the ADC’s activities in Sokoto. Whether that momentum translates into electoral strength will largely depend on the party’s ability to manage its internal differences and present a united front.