Former Nigerian Senator Tambuwal Defects to ADC, Alleges Plot to Weaken Opposition
Senator Aminu Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto State, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a deliberate strategy to cripple opposition parties ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Tambuwal, who represents Sokoto South in the Senate, announced his move on Thursday in Sokoto. He stated his decision followed a two-year review of Nigeria’s political trajectory, concluding that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) aims to consolidate power and create a de facto one-party state.
The senator explained that he commissioned a study panel—comprising political experts, professors, and members from the PDP, APC, and Labour Party—to assess the political landscape. According to Tambuwal, the analysis predicted that both the PDP and the Labour Party, as currently constituted, would be unable to field robust presidential candidates for the 2027 polls.
He alleged there is a coordinated effort to systematically weaken these major opposition groups to the level of minor parties, which he claimed typically negotiate with the central government during elections. Tambuwal specifically alleged this plot included a condition that Labour Party’s Peter Obi must be barred from contesting.
This perceived threat, he said, prompted discussions with like-minded politicians to build a stronger opposition platform, culminating in his alignment with the ADC. Tambuwal stressed the ADC initiative is driven by national interest, not personal ambition, emphasizing the need for a people-focused platform amid widespread public dissatisfaction over insecurity, poverty, and corruption.
He noted that Nigerian elections are ultimately decided by voters, who have previously ejected incumbent leaders. His defection, he concluded, is a proactive measure to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic future and ensure viable competition in 2027.
The move underscores ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition as it confronts the APC’s electoral advantages. Tambuwal’s high-profile switch highlights deep-seated concerns about political inclusivity ahead of the next presidential race.
