By Oxford Reporters
Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has condemned alleged acts of political intimidation in the state, warning that attempts to restrict opposition activities and freedom of movement could undermine democratic principles.
Tambuwal made this known when he received the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince (Dr.) Adewole Adebayo, who paid him a courtesy visit in Sokoto.
In a statement by his media office, dated November 3, 2026, Tambuwal expressed concern over what he described as troubling political developments in the state, insisting that Sokoto must remain an open and welcoming environment for Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations.
He alleged that the Sokoto State Government had sealed the campaign office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, was reportedly attacked by personnel of government-recognised security outfits, including the Sokoto Marshal and Community Guards.
The former governor described the alleged incidents as inconsistent with Sokoto’s longstanding reputation for peace, hospitality, fairness and political tolerance, warning that such actions could weaken the state’s democratic credentials.
He maintained that Sokoto was founded on the principles of fairness, inclusive governance and respect for divergent opinions, stressing that political differences should not prevent citizens from freely expressing their views or participating in the democratic process.
According to him, Sokoto belongs to all Nigerians and must continue to provide an enabling environment for politicians across party lines to interact, engage citizens and promote ideas capable of strengthening democracy and good governance.
“Sokoto belongs to all Nigerians. It must remain a welcoming environment where people from different political backgrounds can freely come, interact and promote their ideas, particularly those relating to democracy and good governance,” Tambuwal said.
Earlier, Adebayo explained that his visit to Sokoto was primarily to congratulate the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
He described Sokoto as a significant centre of Nigeria’s historical, intellectual and political heritage, noting that the state’s importance extends beyond its identity as the seat of the Caliphate.
Adebayo said Sokoto had continued to play an important role in Nigeria’s intellectual advancement and national development, adding that the Sultan’s two decades on the throne represented a significant milestone worthy of celebration.
“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,” he said.
The SDP presidential candidate also urged the Sokoto State Government to respect political diversity and guarantee freedom of movement for opposition politicians, emphasising that no Nigerian should be denied access to any part of the country on account of political affiliation.
He noted that Sokoto had historically accommodated politicians from different political backgrounds and should sustain that tradition in the interest of national unity and democratic development.
Responding, Tambuwal expressed pleasure at receiving the delegation, observing that the visit came at a particularly significant period in the political history of the state.
He recalled the contributions of prominent Nigerian leaders from Sokoto, including the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and former President Shehu Shagari, whose legacies, he said, remain important to the country’s political development.
Tambuwal also commended Adebayo for his courage, patriotism and commitment to national development, particularly his decision to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu despite coming from the same geopolitical zone.
Reflecting on his political journey, the senator recalled his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) while serving as governor under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He explained that the decision was informed by his dissatisfaction with the direction of the country at the time and his determination to pursue a better Nigeria.
According to him, his political decisions have consistently been guided by the desire to build a country that works for every Nigerian, irrespective of background, political affiliation or social status.
Tambuwal further expressed his willingness to work with Adebayo in the national interest, regardless of the outcome of the presidential election, stressing that the country’s progress should take precedence over partisan considerations.
“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.
He reiterated that Nigeria’s future depends on cooperation, mutual respect and a shared commitment to democratic values, noting that political differences should never become obstacles to national unity and development.
Adebayo was accompanied on the courtesy visit by the SDP National Chairman, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe; the party’s vice-presidential candidate, His Excellency, Dr. Usman Bugaje; and its Deputy National Chairman (South), His Excellency, Senator Ugochukwu Uba.
