Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former governor of Sokoto State, has disclosed in an interview with The Punch that his move from the (PDP) to the (ADC) was the result of wide consultations and careful long-term political considerations.
When questioned about whether, with less than a year to the general elections, the ADC had the capacity to unseat the ruling (APC), he emphasized that politics should be viewed from the perspective of the people. According to him, the true strength of any political party is not defined by the number of positions it holds but by the level of public support it commands.
He explained that the country is broadly divided into two categories: individuals who benefit from the present system and are satisfied with it, and a much larger population that is deeply dissatisfied with the current state of the nation. He noted that even basic public opinion checks would reveal that a majority of Nigerians are unhappy with the way governance is being handled.
He pointed out that insecurity remains a major concern, with many communities facing persistent attacks from bandits and other criminal elements, leading to fear among citizens and the destruction of livelihoods. In addition, he highlighted the growing economic challenges, including rising poverty, high unemployment, and an increasingly unbearable cost of living for the average Nigerian.
He also referenced ongoing concerns about corruption, abuse of power, and weak institutional structures, stressing that these issues have collectively fueled widespread frustration among the populace.
Further talking, he said, “So, when people ask whether the ADC can defeat the ruling party, my response is simple: the real power lies with the Nigerian people. If Nigerians decide that they want change, no political structure can ultimately stand in their way.”
He stated that there had been instances in Nigeria’s political history where sitting governors with significant influence had lost senatorial elections in their own states because the people had decided otherwise, adding that democracy ultimately gave the final decision to the electorate.
