Sokoto, Nigeria – Senator Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State, has firmly ruled out any possibility of defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that he is not interested in seeking political “forgiveness of sins.”
The former Governor of Sokoto State and prominent opposition figure made the comments while addressing supporters in Sokoto following his return from Abuja. Tambuwal, a key member of the opposition coalition, reiterated his commitment to standing with “the people of Nigeria” rather than aligning with the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tambuwal’s Stand Against Political Defection
Speaking with defiance, Tambuwal said:
“I do not want my sins to be forgiven, so I can’t join the APC. I cannot be intimidated. I cannot be blackmailed. No one can tarnish my records.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s political climate is currently polarized into two camps:
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Those who align with Bola Tinubu and his government
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Those who align with the Nigerian people
Tambuwal made it clear that his loyalty lies with the latter.
Background: EFCC Detention Over Alleged ₦189 Billion Fraud
The senator’s comments come against the backdrop of recent legal troubles. According to DAILY POST, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently detained Tambuwal in Abuja over allegations of fraudulent cash withdrawals amounting to ₦189 billion.
Although details of the case are still emerging, Tambuwal’s public stance suggests he sees the investigation as politically motivated, hinting at possible attempts to pressure him into joining the ruling party.
Political Implications
Tambuwal’s rejection of the APC comes at a time when Nigeria’s political arena is witnessing intense realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. The former Speaker of the House of Representatives has been a significant political force in the North-West, and his continued presence in the opposition could influence voter sentiment in the region.
His statement about not wanting his “sins forgiven” appears to be a pointed jab at political figures who have defected to the APC and subsequently seen corruption cases against them downplayed or dropped.
A History of Political Shifts
Tambuwal himself is no stranger to party switches, having previously moved from the APC to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2018 before running for president in the PDP primaries. However, his current remarks indicate a hardline stance against any further defection, especially to the ruling party.
