Tambuwal dumps PDP for ADC amid deepening party crisis
By OUR REPORTER, Sokoto
“My decision is guided by the conviction that Nigeria requires a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness and a clear commitment to national development,” he said.
Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, representing Sokoto South, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing persistent internal crises within the opposition party.
Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto State, announced his decision in a resignation letter dated March 11, 2026, addressed to the PDP ward chairman in Tambuwal/Shinfiri Ward of Tambuwal Local Government Area.
The letter, released to journalists on Thursday, said the move followed consultations with his political allies and supporters.
“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my political associates and supporters, I have decided to resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect,” Tambuwal wrote.
The former Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives said ongoing leadership disputes and internal divisions in the PDP made it difficult for him to remain in the party.
“The persistent internal crises, leadership disagreements and growing divisions within the party have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue my membership,” he added.
Despite leaving the PDP, Tambuwal expressed appreciation to the party for the opportunities it provided during his political career.
“I remain grateful to the party for the platform it provided me to serve Nigeria as Speaker of the House of Representatives and later as Governor of Sokoto State,” he said.
Tambuwal confirmed he had joined the ADC alongside several of his political associates and supporters, describing the move as part of efforts to strengthen democratic values and offer Nigerians a credible political alternative.
“My decision is guided by the conviction that Nigeria requires a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness and a clear commitment to national development,” he said.
Tambuwal served as Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015 before being elected governor of Sokoto State in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Later that year, he defected to the PDP and won re-election in 2019.
After completing his second term in 2023, he was elected to the Nigerian Senate to represent Sokoto South.
Political observers say his defection to the ADC could reshape the political landscape in Sokoto State, where Tambuwal remains one of the most influential figures in local politics.
On his X handle, Senator Tambuwal said, “Today, after deep reflection and consultations, I have formally resigned my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and I have communicated my resignation to my ward chairman in writing.
“The PDP has been a significant part of my political journey, and I remain grateful for the opportunities it gave me to serve our nation, including as Speaker of the House of Representatives and as Governor of Sokoto State during my second term in office.
“However, the persistent internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and growing divisions within the PDP have made it increasingly difficult to continue my membership of the party. These developments have unfortunately weakened the unity and direction that once defined the party and have necessitated this decision.
“Consequently, I have today officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with my associates and supporters.
“I am convinced that this decision is guided by my belief that Nigeria needs a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, and a clear commitment to national development.
“I remain fully committed to the service of our country and to the ideals of democracy, justice, and national unity,” he said.
