Former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has dismissed the recent wave of political defections in the Northwest, attributing them to personal interests rather than genuine concern for the public.
Speaking to journalists after the inaugural Northwest Zonal Executive Council Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna on Saturday, February 15th, 2025, Tambuwal criticized defectors joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), labeling their motives as self-serving.
“People leave parties for different reasons. But what I have observed is that defections are not based on the interest of the people but on personal gains, what I call ‘stomach infrastructure,’” Tambuwal stated.
He went on to criticize the APC-led federal government, accusing it of incompetence and a lack of sensitivity to the economic struggles faced by Nigerians.
“If you are a politician with a conscience, you wouldn’t join the APC given the current economic hardship and the poor performance of the Tinubu administration,” he added.
Tambuwal urged opposition parties to unite and strategize ahead of the 2027 elections, emphasizing the need to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.
“Those of us who believe in this country and in service to the people must come together to ensure that by 2027, we remove this administration that has failed Nigerians,” he stated.
The PDP Northwest zone reaffirmed its commitment to reclaiming power in the next election. A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting by PDP Northwest Chairman, Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, highlighted the party’s determination to take the lead in national governance.
“The PDP of the Northwest zone should take its rightful position in the nation by providing quality leadership. All internal conflicts at the national level must be resolved swiftly because Nigerians are looking to PDP for leadership,” the communiqué read.
The party emphasized the importance of unity and grassroots mobilization, noting that despite setbacks in the 2023 general elections, PDP remains a strong force with significant support.
“We call for unity among party members so that we can solve our problems and ensure victory in 2027. All hands must be on deck to take over leadership in our states and at the national level,” the statement added.
The meeting was attended by prominent PDP figures, including former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi; former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau; PDP governorship candidate for Jigawa, Mustapha Sule Lamido; Senator Lado Dan Marke; Hon. Isa Ashiru Kudan; Hon. Ango Abdullahi; and the PDP National Youth Leader, among others.
With the PDP seeking to reclaim power in 2027, Tambuwal and other party leaders are pushing for unity, strategy, and strong grassroots mobilization to challenge the APC-led government.
