Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has launched a scathing critique of politicians defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting that such moves reflect a prioritization of personal gain over public welfare during Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges. The pointed remarks came during a press briefing following the PDP North-West Zonal meeting in Kaduna on Saturday.
Tambuwal, who currently serves as the Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, struck at the heart of recent political migrations, characterizing them as decisions driven by “stomach infrastructure” rather than genuine public service. His commentary arrives amid a wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC, a trend he views as particularly troubling given the current national economic situation.
The former governor’s criticism extends beyond individual defectors to encompass the broader performance of the Tinubu administration, which he describes as lacking focus, compassion, and direction. Tambuwal’s assessment paints a stark picture of a government he believes has plunged the nation into economic turmoil, questioning how any politician with a conscience could align themselves with such policies.
Drawing from his experience as both a former state governor and current senator, Tambuwal’s analysis suggests a deeper concern about the motivations driving political realignments in Nigeria. His statement that “no one with a conscience will join the APC” serves not only as a rebuke to recent defectors but also as a broader commentary on the state of Nigerian politics.
The timing of Tambuwal’s remarks is particularly significant, coming at a moment when many Nigerians are grappling with severe economic hardship. His critique suggests that political defections to the ruling party at this juncture represent a disconnect between political actors and the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens.
Beyond merely criticizing the current situation, Tambuwal’s comments outline a call to action for opposition forces. His emphasis on the need for unity among “all of us who believe in this country” suggests a strategic vision extending beyond immediate political calculations to the 2027 electoral horizon. This forward-looking perspective frames the current wave of defections not as a terminal crisis for the opposition but as a clarifying moment that might ultimately strengthen political resolve among those committed to alternative governance approaches.
The senator’s characterization of recent political movements as being motivated by “stomach infrastructure” introduces a compelling metaphor into the national political discourse. This term, laden with implications of self-interest and immediate gratification, serves to highlight what Tambuwal sees as a fundamental tension between personal political advancement and genuine public service.
His assessment of the Tinubu administration’s performance thus far carries particular weight given his position as both a former governor and current legislator. The criticism spans multiple dimensions of governance, from economic management to policy direction, suggesting a comprehensive indictment of the current administration’s approach to national challenges.
Looking ahead to 2027, Tambuwal’s comments can be seen as an early positioning statement in what promises to be a prolonged political contest. His call for unity among opposition forces suggests recognition that effectively challenging the APC’s dominance will require more than individual political maneuvering.
The former governor’s stance also raises important questions about political loyalty and principle in Nigerian politics. By framing defections to the APC as fundamentally questionable given current national circumstances, Tambuwal implicitly challenges other politicians to justify their political choices in terms of public rather than personal interest.
As Nigeria continues to navigate significant economic challenges, Tambuwal’s intervention in the national political discourse serves as both a critique of current governance and a call for renewed political purpose. His comments suggest that the true measure of political leadership lies not in strategic positioning for personal advantage but in maintaining principled opposition when circumstances demand it.
