Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has attributed the wave of political defections in the Northwest to personal interests rather than the welfare of the people.
Tambuwal expressed his views while speaking to journalists after the inaugural Zonal Executive Council Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Northwest in Kaduna on Saturday.
Tambuwal criticized defectors aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that their motivations are rooted in self-serving gains rather than public service.
“People leave parties for different reasons. But what I have observed is that defections are not based on the interest of the people but on personal gains—what I call ‘stomach infrastructure,’” he said.
He further argued that no politician with a conscience would join the APC, given what he described as the poor performance of the Tinubu administration and the ongoing economic hardships.
“If you are a politician with a conscience, you wouldn’t join the APC, given the current economic hardship and the poor performance of the Tinubu administration,” Tambuwal remarked.
The former governor took aim at the APC-led federal government, accusing it of being unfocused, lacking compassion, and failing to deliver on its promises to Nigerians. Tambuwal called for unity among opposition parties to present a viable alternative in the 2027 elections.
“There is nothing appealing in the APC beyond personal benefits. Those of us who believe in this country and in service to the people must come together to ensure that by 2027, we remove this administration that has failed Nigerians,” he added.
The PDP Northwest zone used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to reclaiming power in 2027, emphasizing unity and strategic mobilization as critical steps.
A communiqué issued after the meeting and read by PDP Northwest Chairman, Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, highlighted the party’s determination to provide quality leadership.
“The PDP of the Northwest zone should take its rightful position in the nation by providing quality leadership. All internal conflicts at the national level must be resolved swiftly because Nigerians are looking to the PDP for leadership,” the communiqué stated.
While reflecting on the challenges of the 2023 general elections, the party emphasized its strong grassroots support and the growing national shift toward the PDP. It called for unity among members to ensure success in 2027.
“We call for unity among party members so that we can solve our problems and ensure victory in 2027. All hands must be on deck to take over leadership,” the communiqué concluded.
The meeting saw the attendance of prominent PDP figures, including former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi; former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau; PDP governorship candidate for Jigawa, Mustapha Sule Lamido; Senator Lado Dan Marke; Hon. Isa Ashiru Kudan; Hon. Ango Abdullahi; and the PDP National Youth Leader.
