Tambuwal Decries ‘Unprecedented’ Political Developments in Sokoto, Vows Resistance

By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party SDP has paid a courtesy visit to former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, in Sokoto.

During the visit, the presidential hopeful said he was in the state to congratulate the Sultan of Sokoto on his 20th anniversary on the throne, describing Sokoto as an important centre of Nigeria’s history, intellectual development and political heritage.

He said, “We are here in Sokoto to register our well wishes to the Sultan of Sokoto on attaining 20 years on the throne. We thought we should be here because Sokoto, as we know, is very integral to the history of Nigeria. We see Sokoto not just as a Caliphate but as a seat of intellect”

The SDP candidate also called on the Sokoto State Government to respect political diversity and allow opposition politicians to visit the state to express their views and sell their political ideas.

He stressed that no Nigerian should be prevented from visiting any part of the country on account of political differences, adding that Sokoto had historically been open to politicians from different political parties.

In his remarks Tambuwal described the visit as a pleasure, saying it came at a time when political developments in Sokoto State were becoming increasingly interesting.

The former governor maintained that Sokoto had historically been built on the principles of inclusive governance, fairness and respect for divergent opinions.

He said the state belonged to all Nigerians and should remain a welcoming environment where individuals and political parties could freely promote their ideas, particularly on democracy and good governance.

Tambuwal recalled that Sokoto produced prominent national leaders, including the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and former President Shehu Shagari, whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development remained widely recognised.

However, he expressed concern over recent political developments in the state, alleging that the government had sealed a building associated with the opposition and that the ADC governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, had been attacked by government-recognised security outfits, including the Sokoto Marshal and Community Guards.

He described the developments as unprecedented, warning that Sokoto’s longstanding reputation as a peaceful and welcoming state was being undermined.

Tambuwal said the opposition would continue to resist actions capable of undermining political freedom and portraying the state negatively.

The senator also commended the SDP presidential candidate for his courage and commitment to national development, particularly his willingness to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu despite coming from the same geopolitical region.

Drawing parallels with his own political history, Tambuwal recalled that he left the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC while serving as governor of Sokoto State under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari because he was dissatisfied with the direction of the country.

He said his decision to join the opposition was motivated by the desire to rescue Nigeria and build a country that would work for everyone.

Tambuwal further expressed willingness to work with the SDP candidate, regardless of who emerges victorious in the political contest.

“If you defeat my candidate and you are ready to work with us, we will join you. And if we defeat you because of these ideas that you have and your love for Nigeria, we will invite you into the government of national unity,” he said.