SOKOTO – Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and immediate past Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has formally resigned his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a personally signed statement released to journalists on Thursday, Tambuwal confirmed that he has communicated his resignation in writing to his ward chairman, bringing an end to his long-standing association with the main opposition party.
Tambuwal, who served as Governor of Sokoto State for two terms and previously as Speaker of the House of Representatives, cited persistent internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and growing divisions within the PDP as the primary reasons for his exit.
Ejes Gist News reports that the former governor’s departure represents one of the highest-profile exits from the PDP in recent months, raising questions about the opposition party’s cohesion ahead of future electoral contests.
“The PDP has been a significant part of my political journey, and I remain grateful for the opportunities it gave me to serve our nation, including as Speaker of the House of Representatives and as Governor of Sokoto State during my second term in office,” Tambuwal stated.
“However, the persistent internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and growing divisions within the PDP have made it increasingly difficult to continue my membership of the party. These developments have unfortunately weakened the unity and direction that once defined the party and have necessitated this decision.”
New Political Home
The former governor announced that he has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) along with his associates and supporters, signaling a potential realignment of political forces in Sokoto State and beyond.
Tambuwal framed his decision within a broader vision for national development, stating that his new political platform aligns with his commitment to integrity, accountability, and inclusiveness.
“I am convinced that this decision is guided by my belief that Nigeria needs a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, and a clear commitment to national development,” he said.
Tambuwal’s defection carries substantial political weight given his extensive legislative and executive experience. He presided over the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015 and governed Sokoto State from 2015 to 2023, establishing a broad political network across the North-West and nationally.
The former governor was a prominent contender for the PDP presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 general elections, eventually stepping down for Atiku Abubakar during the party’s primary. His departure from the PDP removes a significant figure from the party’s ranks in the North-West, a critical electoral region.
For the African Democratic Congress, Tambuwal’s arrival represents a major boost. The ADC, while not among Nigeria’s dominant political parties, has maintained a presence across several states and now gains a figure with national name recognition and substantial political capital.
Political analysts note that Tambuwal’s ability to bring associates and supporters with him could reshape political calculations in Sokoto State and potentially position the ADC as a more significant player in the region.
While Tambuwal did not explicitly declare his political ambitions in the resignation statement, his reference to Nigeria needing “a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, and a clear commitment to national development” suggests he intends to remain actively engaged in shaping the country’s political future.
“I remain fully committed to the service of our country and to the ideals of democracy, justice, and national unity,” Tambuwal affirmed in his statement.
Tambuwal’s exit adds to the PDP’s ongoing challenges with internal cohesion. The party has grappled with factional disputes, leadership tussles, and a series of high-profile defections since the 2023 general elections.
The former governor’s reference to “persistent internal crisis” and “leadership disagreements” echoes concerns raised by other departing members and reflects broader tensions within a party struggling to maintain unity while serving as the primary opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The African Democratic Congress is expected to formally welcome Tambuwal and his supporters in the coming days, with party leaders likely to highlight the former governor’s experience and political network as assets for the party’s growth strategy.
Details of Tambuwal’s role within the ADC structure and any potential plans for future electoral contests are anticipated to emerge following consultations with party leadership.
