BY EMMA PETER
The media office of former Sokoto State Governor and Senator Aminu Tambuwal has dismissed reports suggesting that the former governor is planning to defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the speculation as false and baseless.
The office reaffirmed Tambuwal’s commitment to the ADC, saying the former governor remained focused on strengthening the opposition party, building political alliances and mobilising support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the senator, Prince Daniel, categorically denied any plan by Tambuwal to return to the APC and urged Nigerians to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Tambuwal has no plans to join the APC. Suggestions to the contrary are false, baseless and should be disregarded,” the statement said.
The clarification followed the circulation of photographs and video clips on social media that reportedly triggered speculation about a possible political realignment involving the former governor.
However, the senator’s media office cautioned against interpreting his interactions with politicians from other parties as an indication that he was considering a change of political allegiance.
According to the statement, maintaining cordial relationships across party lines should not be confused with negotiations to defect to another political platform.
“Political civility is no proof of political realignment. Exchanging greetings or interacting with members of another party does not amount to negotiating a change of allegiance,” Daniel said.
The office described Tambuwal as a statesman whose relationships across political divides had developed over many years of public service and mutual respect.
It added that the former governor remained committed to building cooperation within the ADC and mobilising Nigerians ahead of the next general elections.
The media office also called on political supporters, media organisations and social media commentators to verify information before publishing reports concerning the senator’s political activities.
“Speculation must never be presented as fact,” the statement warned.
It further urged Nigerians to pay greater attention to the country’s economic challenges, security concerns and governance issues rather than unsubstantiated reports about politicians’ party affiliations.
Tambuwal governed Sokoto State from 2015 to 2023 before being elected senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District in the 2023 general elections.
Before becoming governor, he served as Speaker of the House of Representatives and later emerged as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics. He also contested the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His current political affiliation with the ADC places him among opposition figures involved in political activities and coalition-building ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The denial comes amid growing political realignments and discussions about possible alliances among opposition parties seeking to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in the forthcoming elections.
Despite the speculation, Tambuwal’s media office maintained that his interactions with politicians across party lines should not be interpreted as evidence of an impending defection.
The office urged the public to seek clarification from the AWT Media Office before circulating reports concerning the senator’s political decisions.
