Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, has condemned alleged attacks and intimidation of opposition politicians in the state. He warned that he would resist any attempt to deny Nigerians their democratic rights.
Tambuwal made this known on Monday when he received the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, who paid him a courtesy visit in Sokoto.
He expressed concern over what he described as growing political intolerance in the state. He alleged that the state government had sealed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign office and that security personnel attacked the party’s governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya.
He specifically accused the Sokoto Marshal and Community Guards of actions that go against the state’s tradition of political tolerance.
Tambuwal said Sokoto should remain open to politicians and Nigerians from all political parties, stressing that everyone should be free to visit, interact and express their political views.
He warned that restricting opposition activities and freedom of movement could weaken democracy and political participation.
Adebayo also called on the Sokoto State Government to respect political differences. He said no Nigerian should be prevented from visiting any part of the country or exercising their political rights because of party affiliation.
He explained that his visit was partly to congratulate the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
Adebayo described Sokoto as an important centre of Nigeria’s history, knowledge and political development.
Tambuwal also praised Adebayo for his decision to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming presidential election, describing it as a sign of his commitment to Nigeria’s development.
Reflecting on his political journey, Tambuwal recalled leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) while serving as governor under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He said the decision was based on his dissatisfaction with the country’s direction at the time.
He added that his political decisions had always been guided by his desire to build a better Nigeria.
The senator also promised to work with Adebayo for the sake of national unity, regardless of who wins the presidential election.
He said Nigeria could only make progress through cooperation, mutual respect and commitment to democratic values.
Adebayo was accompanied by the SDP National Chairman, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe; the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Dr Usman Bugaje; and its Deputy National Chairman (South), Senator Ugochukwu Uba.
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