A faction of the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto State has distanced itself from reports that former governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has joined the party, insisting that he did not follow the constitutional procedures required for membership.
The faction, led by the state chairman Umar Faruk, said the party had no record of Tambuwal registering at the ward level, which it described as the only legitimate process for becoming a member.
In a statement released on Thursday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Murtala Aliyu, the group said checks carried out with party officials in Tambuwal’s ward and local government area showed no evidence that the former governor had joined the party.
According to the statement, the leadership of the party contacted officials at the ward level as well as the ADC chairman in Tambuwal Local Government Area, Aminu Tambari, who both denied having any knowledge of such a development.
“The leadership of the party in the ward and local government where Senator Tambuwal hails from confirmed that they were neither informed nor consulted about the alleged defection, as required by the party’s constitution and procedures,” the statement said.
The faction also warned the party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Belo Isiyaku, popularly known as Keegan, to stop presenting himself as having the authority to admit individuals into the party.
It stressed that membership of the ADC cannot be conducted privately and must be processed through the ward structure under the supervision of the ward chairman.
The party further cautioned Tambuwal against interfering in its affairs within Sokoto State and warned that any attempt to do so could result in legal action.
“Therefore, the party leadership warns Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal not to involve himself in matters concerning the ADC in Sokoto State, as doing so may compel the party to take legal action,” the statement added.
Despite the dispute surrounding the alleged defection, the party maintained that it remains open to individuals who wish to join through the proper procedures.
“The ADC welcomes all individuals who wish to contribute to the growth of the party, but it will not tolerate any form of backdoor entry,” the statement said.
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, was recently reported to have resigned from the party and joined the ADC, a claim that has stirred political debate within Sokoto State.
What you should know
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal served as governor of Sokoto State from 2015 to 2023 and currently represents Sokoto South in the Senate.
A key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party, his reported defection to the African Democratic Congress has generated controversy and political debate within the state.
The disagreement within the ADC highlights internal divisions over party structure, membership procedures, and political alignments ahead of future elections in Nigeria.
