- Senator Aminu Tambuwal condemned defections to the APC in the Northwest, labelling them as motivated by personal gain rather than public service
- Tambuwal accused the APC-led government of failing to address national issues and urged opposition unity to oust the administration in the 2027 elections
- The PDP Northwest reaffirmed its determination to reclaim political power in 2027, emphasizing unity and grassroots support for success in the upcoming elections
Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, a former Governor of Sokoto State, has strongly criticized the recent wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in the Northwest region of Nigeria.
Tambuwal further expressed concern that the defections were driven by personal ambitions rather than genuine efforts to serve the people.
The former Sokoto governor spoke to the press after the maiden Zonal Executive Council Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Northwest in Kaduna.
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Tambuwal: Defection is driven by personal gain
Tambuwal emphasized that the defections were rooted in personal interests and not in the desire to improve the lives of Nigerians.
He described these defections as a result of what he called “stomach infrastructure,” suggesting that politicians are more motivated by self-enrichment than by a commitment to public service.
“Politicians change allegiance for various reasons, but I’ve noticed that many defections are not about the people’s welfare but are based on personal gains,”
“If any politician still has a conscience, joining the APC under the current circumstances — with the economic difficulties and the poor performance of the Tinubu administration — is unjustifiable," Tambuwal remarked.
Accusations against APC’s governance
Tambuwal did not hold back in his criticism of the APC-led government, accusing it of lacking direction and being out of touch with the struggles faced by Nigerians, Daily Trust reported.
He highlighted the administration's failure to address critical national issues as evidence of its inability to lead effectively.
“There’s nothing to attract any politician to the APC other than personal benefits. Those of us who genuinely care for this country and are committed to serving its people must unite and ensure that this government is removed by 2027,” Tambuwal said.
PDP Northwest reaffirms commitment to power shift in 2027
Despite setbacks in the 2023 general elections, the PDP has reaffirmed its determination to take back political power in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Tambuwal called for unity within the opposition, urging party members to put aside differences and work together to offer a viable alternative to the APC, Leadership reported.
The PDP Northwest also issued a statement at the meeting, highlighting the region’s commitment to reclaiming leadership.
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Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, the chairman of the PDP Northwest, read the communiqué, which called for resolving internal party conflicts and focusing on offering the Nigerian people quality leadership.
“The PDP of the Northwest is committed to regaining its position as a national leader. We must address internal issues promptly as Nigerians are looking for leadership,” Gwarzo said, quoting the communiqué.
Strengthening grassroots support for PDP
The communiqué further emphasized the need for unity and the strengthening of grassroots support to ensure victory in the 2027 elections.
The party reiterated that all members must work together to reclaim power both at the state and national levels.
“We urge unity within the party to solve internal problems and ensure success in 2027. Every member must contribute to our collective goal of taking back leadership,” the statement concluded.
APC chieftain reacts to Tambuwal’s criticism of defections
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed Senator Aminu Tambuwal’s remarks on recent defections to the ruling party, describing them as "typical opposition rhetoric" driven by frustration over the PDP’s declining influence in the Northwest.
Speaking to Legit.ngon Sunday, February 23, Felix Onuh, stated:
"Tambuwal’s comments only expose the PDP’s desperation. The reality is that people are leaving the PDP because they see no future in a party riddled with internal crises and leadership failures. The APC remains the only viable platform for progressive governance."
He further argued that the PDP’s claims about "personal gain" were hypocritical, stating,
"Was Tambuwal not a beneficiary of political realignments in the past? He moved from PDP to APC in 2014 and back to PDP when it suited him. Defections are part of democracy, and people join the APC because they believe in its vision for Nigeria."
The APC leader also refuted Tambuwal’s criticism of the Tinubu administration, insisting that the government is making significant strides in economic reforms and national security.
"The APC is fixing the mess left behind by past administrations. We are implementing policies that will yield long-term benefits for Nigerians," he added.
He urged PDP leaders to focus on internal restructuring rather than attacking those who choose to align with the ruling party.
"Instead of crying over defections, the PDP should ask itself why members are leaving. The APC remains the party of national development, and more people will continue to join us," he concluded.
2027: '2 notable northern zones divided'
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a source in the presidential villa and principal officer to President Tinubu said two "notable" northern zones — the northwest and the northeast — are "now sharply divided" ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The source divulged that the two zones are split over where the presidential candidate of the ruling APC should come from post-2027.
The geopolitical zones are also reportedly not in agreement regarding President Tinubu's successor should the Nigerian leader continue till 2031.
