Former Sokoto governor says voters should use democratic means to change the Federal Government as he welcomes ex-APC chairman to the ADC

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and ex-Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has called on Nigerians to unite and democratically vote out the administration of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, alleging that the Federal Government has failed to adequately address insecurity and other pressing national challenges.

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Tambuwal made the remarks in Sokoto on Wednesday while receiving the immediate past Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area, Isa Salihu Bashir Kalanjeni, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his subsequent exit from office.

The former governor described Kalanjeni’s return to the ADC as a “homecoming”, saying the former council chairman had always maintained cordial relations with party members despite his previous defection to the APC.

“Isa Kalanjeni was one of us before he decided to join the other group. This has always been his home, but what happened has happened and he left,” Tambuwal said.

He commended Kalanjeni for conducting his politics without resorting to insults or personal attacks.

“Nobody can say they ever heard him engaging in name-calling or disrespecting any of us. That is not our tradition. We don’t engage in politics of mudslinging and insults,” he added.

According to Tambuwal, Kalanjeni’s decision to resign both his party membership and elective office demonstrated courage at a time when many politicians were reluctant to leave the ruling party.

“What you have done is heroic. It is not everyone that can do what you did,” he said.

The senator further alleged that many politicians avoided joining the ADC because of the political pressure associated with leaving the APC.

“Most politicians who leave the ruling APC go round other political parties instead of joining the ADC. It is only those pursuing the interest of the nation, rather than personal interest, that will join the ADC,” he said.

Speaking on preparations for the 2027 elections, Tambuwal claimed that efforts to weaken the opposition party had failed and suggested that its growing profile had unsettled the ruling establishment.

“President Bola Tinubu, by God’s grace, the outgoing President, has been having sleepless nights over the ADC. Everywhere he turns, he sees Atiku Abubakar. They have continued scheming to ensure the ADC does not see the light of day, but God has frustrated those efforts,” he said.

Tambuwal urged party supporters to remain peaceful and disciplined as political activities gather momentum ahead of the next general election.

“No insults, no name-calling, no disrespect. We should remain peaceful, focused and determined. We should fear nobody except God and continue to work in the best interest of our people,” he said.

Linking his criticism of the Federal Government to the security situation in Sokoto State, Tambuwal cited recent attacks by armed groups in parts of the state as evidence that more needed to be done to protect lives and property.

“Everyone knows what is happening in Sokoto. Even nearby in Bodinga, terrorists are attacking communities and killing innocent people,” he said.

The former governor therefore appealed to Nigerians to pursue constitutional and democratic means to bring about political change in 2027.

“I am calling on the people of Sokoto and Nigerians as a whole to come together and do everything democratically possible to ensure that we change this government that does not mean well for Nigerians,” he said.

Kalanjeni resigned as Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area and left the APC on Tuesday after months of speculation about his political future.

He was formally welcomed into the ADC by Tambuwal alongside the party’s Sokoto State governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya, the state chairman, Abdullahi Maigwandu, and other party leaders.

The defection adds to a series of political realignments taking place in Sokoto State and other parts of the country as parties reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In recent months, opposition parties have intensified efforts to attract influential politicians from rival platforms, while the ruling APC has continued to defend its record on security, economic reforms and governance.

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The Tinubu administration has consistently maintained that ongoing security operations and policy reforms are aimed at addressing the country’s longstanding challenges, even as opposition figures argue that more decisive action is required.