Aminu Tambuwal, a former Sokoto State governor and currently a senator, has condemned the recent wave of political defections in Nigeria’s North West, describing them as self-serving and disconnected from the needs of the people. Speaking to journalists after the inaugural North West Zonal Executive Council Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna on Saturday, Tambuwal criticized politicians switching to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of prioritizing personal gain over public interest.
“Defections are often driven by personal motives, or what I refer to as ‘stomach infrastructure,’ rather than a genuine concern for the people,” Tambuwal remarked. He argued that no politician with a conscience would join the APC, given the economic hardships and poor governance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “The APC-led government lacks focus, compassion, and direction,” he added, urging opposition parties to unite and offer Nigerians a viable alternative in the 2027 elections.
Tambuwal emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “Those of us committed to this country and to serving its people must come together to ensure that by 2027, we remove this failed administration and provide hope for Nigerians.”
At the meeting, the PDP North West zone reaffirmed its determination to reclaim power in 2027, highlighting the importance of unity and strategic planning. In a communiqué presented by the zone’s chairman, Senator Bello Gwarzo, the party stressed its ambition to assume national leadership and resolve internal conflicts swiftly. “The PDP in the North West must take its rightful place by offering quality leadership. Nigerians are looking to us for direction,” the statement read.
The communiqué also acknowledged the party’s strong grassroots support and growing national appeal, despite setbacks in the 2023 elections. It called for solidarity among members to address challenges and secure victories at both state and federal levels in 2027. “Unity is essential. All hands must be on deck to achieve success,” the statement concluded.
The meeting drew prominent PDP figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, PDP Jigawa governorship candidate Mustapha Sule Lamido, Lado Dan Marke, Isa Kudan, Ango Abdullahi, and the PDP National Youth Leader, among others.