Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and ex-Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing unresolved internal crises and deepening divisions within the party.
Tambuwal announced his decision in a statement shared on the social media platform X in the early hours of Thursday. He confirmed that he had formally communicated his resignation to his ward chairman in writing before officially joining the ADC alongside several political associates and supporters.
“Today, after deep reflection and wide consultations, I have formally resigned my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, and I have communicated my resignation to my ward chairman in writing,” Tambuwal stated.
The former governor acknowledged the significant role the PDP played in shaping his political career. Under the party’s platform, he served as Speaker of the House of Representatives and later completed two terms as governor of Sokoto State. However, he said the persistent leadership disagreements and internal conflicts within the party had made his continued membership increasingly difficult.
According to him, the internal disputes have weakened the unity and direction that once defined the party. “The persistent internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and growing divisions within the PDP have made it increasingly difficult to continue my membership of the party,” he said, adding that the situation necessitated his decision to leave.
Explaining his choice of the ADC as his new political platform, Tambuwal expressed confidence that the party provides a stronger and more credible vehicle for democratic advancement in Nigeria. He noted that the platform aligns with his political ideals of integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, and national development.
Tambuwal also reaffirmed his commitment to democratic values, justice, and national unity, pledging to continue contributing to Nigeria’s political development through his new party.
His defection adds to a series of high-profile movements into the ADC in recent months, including that of former presidential candidate Peter Obi. The development is widely seen by political observers as strengthening the party’s position as an emerging opposition platform ahead of the next electoral cycle.