Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, received the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince (Dr.) Adewole Adebayo, on a courtesy visit in Sokoto.
Adebayo said he was in the state to congratulate the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the throne. He described Sokoto as a significant centre of Nigeria’s historical, intellectual and political heritage.
He noted that Sokoto’s importance transcended its identity as the seat of the Caliphate, highlighting its enduring contributions to intellectual advancement and national development.
“We are here in Sokoto to register our well wishes to the Sultan of Sokoto on attaining 20 years on the throne. We thought we should be here because Sokoto, as we know, is very integral to the history of Nigeria. We see Sokoto not just as a Caliphate but as a seat of intellect,” he said.
Adebayo also called on the Sokoto State Government to respect political diversity and guarantee freedom of movement for opposition politicians, stressing that no Nigerian should be denied access to any part of the country because of political affiliation.
He maintained that Sokoto had historically welcomed politicians across party lines and should continue to uphold that tradition.
In his remarks, Tambuwal expressed pleasure at receiving the delegation, noting that the visit came at a particularly significant period in Sokoto State’s political history.
The former governor reaffirmed that Sokoto was founded on principles of fairness, inclusive governance and respect for divergent opinions, stressing that the state belonged to all Nigerians.
“Sokoto belongs to all Nigerians. It must remain a welcoming environment where people from different political backgrounds can freely come, interact and promote their ideas, particularly those relating to democracy and good governance,” Tambuwal said.
He recalled Sokoto’s contributions to national leadership, citing the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and former President Shehu Shagari as prominent leaders whose legacies remain integral to Nigeria’s political development.
However, Tambuwal expressed concern over what he described as troubling developments in the state. He alleged that the state government had sealed the ADC campaign office and that the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, had been attacked by personnel of government-recognised security outfits, including the Sokoto Marshal and Community Guards.
He described the incidents as inconsistent with Sokoto’s longstanding reputation for peace, hospitality and political tolerance, warning that such actions could undermine the state’s democratic credentials.
Tambuwal said the opposition would continue to resist any action capable of restricting political freedom or discouraging citizens from participating in the democratic process.
The senator also commended Adebayo for his courage, patriotism and commitment to national development, particularly his decision to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu despite coming from the same geopolitical zone.
Reflecting on his own political experience, Tambuwal recalled leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) while serving as governor during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. He explained that his decision was driven by dissatisfaction with the country’s direction and the need to pursue a better Nigeria.
He said his political choices had consistently been guided by the desire to build a country that works for every citizen, irrespective of background or affiliation.
Tambuwal further expressed readiness to work with Adebayo in the national interest, regardless of the outcome of the presidential election.
“If you defeat my candidate and you are ready to work with us, we will join you. And if we defeat you because of these ideas that you have and your love for Nigeria, we will invite you into the government of national unity,” he said.
The senator reiterated that Nigeria’s future must be built on cooperation, mutual respect and a shared commitment to democratic values, stressing that political differences should never stand in the way of national unity and progress.
Adebayo was accompanied on the visit by the SDP National Chairman, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe; the party’s vice-presidential candidate, His Excellency, Dr. Usman Bugaje; and its Deputy National Chairman (South), His Excellency, Senator Ugochukwu Uba.
AWT Media Office | 3 November 2026