Former Nigerian Senator and Ex-Governor Aminu Tambuwal Resigns from PDP, Joins ADC
A prominent Nigerian politician, former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator Aminu Tambuwal, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing unresolved internal divisions as his reason for leaving. He has subsequently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Tambuwal, who represents Sokoto South in the Senate and previously served as Speaker of the House of Representatives, submitted his formal resignation letter to his local PDP ward chairman on March 11. He publicly announced his departure in the early hours of Thursday, confirming his registration with the ADC after what he described as a period of careful consideration and broad consultations.
In his resignation statement, Tambuwal directly addressed the party’s ongoing challenges. “The leadership disagreements and divisions within the party at various levels have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue my active participation and commitment as a member,” he stated. “The ongoing conflicts have, unfortunately, weakened the unity and direction that once defined the party.” He positioned his move as driven by a desire for a political platform founded on “integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, and a clear commitment to national development.”
Despite the decisive break, Tambuwal expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunities it provided him to serve in various national roles, including as governor and federal lawmaker.
This high-profile defection underscores the persistent crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party, the PDP. Tambuwal is a significant political figure from a key northern state, and his exit adds to a series of departures that have further fragmented the party’s cohesion ahead of future elections.
While the ADC is a smaller party compared to the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Tambuwal’s move provides the ADC with increased visibility and a veteran statesman. The development prompts questions about the PDP’s ability to resolve its internal strife and present a united front. For Tambuwal, the next step involves leveraging his new platform to pursue his political objectives, with his Senate seat now being contested under a different party banner. His decision highlights the fluid and often turbulent nature of Nigeria’s political landscape.
