“It Takes Courage to Join ADC” — Senator Tambuwal

By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi

• Hails Ex-Tangaza Chairman’s Return, Says APC Has Lost Nigerians’ Confidence

Former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has welcomed the former Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Council, Hon. Isah Salihu Bashar, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing his resignation from office before joining the party as an uncommon act of political courage.

Speaking while receiving the former local government council chair, at his residence in Sokoto, Tambuwal said the decision reflected selflessness and a commitment to the people’s interest rather than personal ambition.

He maintained that only politicians with courage and conviction could identify with the ADC despite what he described as intimidation by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Anyone who believes that what he is doing is for the people and for the sake of God, not for personal gain, should have the courage to leave any political party and join the ADC,” Tambuwal said.

Tambuwal recalled that although Bashar defected to the APC in 2022, their personal relationship remained cordial, stressing that political differences should never destroy long-standing friendships.

“Political differences should not affect our personal relationships. We have remained friends despite belonging to different political parties,” he said.

The former governor alleged that the APC was mounting pressure on politicians to discourage them from joining the ADC while also attempting to sow division within the opposition.

He also criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over worsening insecurity, arguing that many Nigerians had lost confidence in the APC-led Federal Government.

“The insecurity across the country has reached an alarming level, and many Nigerians no longer have confidence in the APC-led government,” Tambuwal stated.

He praised Bashar for resigning his position before defecting to the ADC, describing the move as a rare sacrifice in Nigeria’s political landscape.

“Resigning from office before joining another party is a rare demonstration of integrity and sacrifice. It is an act worthy of commendation,” he added.

The ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State and former Deputy Governor, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, also commended Tambuwal’s leadership, saying it had continued to attract members from different political parties into the ADC.

Dan’iya welcomed the former council chairman and assured him of equal rights and opportunities within the party.

“The ADC is a home for everyone who believes in justice, good governance and the progress of our people. You will enjoy the same rights and opportunities as every other member,” Dan’iya said.

In his remarks, Bashar said his decision to leave the APC was driven by conviction, admitting that joining the ruling party in 2022 had been a mistake.

He said his relationship with Tambuwal remained intact despite their political differences and described his return to the ADC as a “homecoming.”

“Joining the APC in 2022 was a mistake. Today, I have returned home. I ask for your forgiveness and the support of all party members as we work together to build a better Sokoto State,” Bashar said.