Aminu Tambuwal, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Governor of Sokoto State, has publicly affirmed his support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for the leadership of Nigeria. Tambuwal emphasized that this stance is rooted in principles and a considered assessment of national interest, not personal animosity towards Wike. He underlined that his political decisions are driven by ideological convictions and what he perceives as the best direction for the country, rather than personal relationships. This clarification comes amidst a backdrop of political realignments and fractured relationships within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the 2023 presidential elections.
The 2023 elections saw Atiku Abubakar emerge as the PDP’s presidential candidate, defeating Wike in the party primaries. This outcome created a significant rift within the party, with Wike subsequently declaring his support for Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the eventual winner of the election. Tambuwal’s declaration of support for Atiku further underscores the existing divisions within the PDP. His assertion that he would still choose Atiku over Wike even in the future highlights the depth of his conviction regarding Atiku’s suitability for national leadership. He positioned this preference as a matter of principle, driven by a belief in Atiku’s vision, competence, and commitment to national progress.
Tambuwal’s political trajectory has been marked by significant shifts, including his own move from the PDP to the APC during the Goodluck Jonathan administration. He explained this transition as stemming from ideological differences with the then-ruling party, not personal animosity towards Jonathan. This historical context provides a framework for understanding his current position. He argues that his political decisions, including his support for Atiku, are consistent with his long-standing practice of prioritizing national interest and ideological alignment over personal allegiances. This principle, he claims, guides his choices, ensuring that they are driven by a commitment to the betterment of Nigeria.
Beyond the immediate political context, Tambuwal addressed several other pertinent issues. He refuted speculations linking political thugs to banditry, stating that during his tenure as Sokoto State Governor, he found no evidence to support such claims. This denial challenges a narrative that often surfaces in discussions about insecurity in Nigeria. He also addressed allegations of financial impropriety during his governorship, specifically claims of large cash withdrawals being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He dismissed these allegations as politically motivated and expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation would clear his name.
He challenged the alleged amount of N189 billion as “simply impossible,” indicating a strong denial of the core accusation. His willingness to cooperate with the EFCC investigation, while simultaneously dismissing the allegations as politically motivated, suggests a complex legal and political strategy. He aims to portray himself as both transparent and unjustly targeted, seeking to maintain his credibility amidst the accusations. This approach reflects the delicate balancing act often required in navigating politically charged investigations.
Tambuwal’s explicit endorsement of Atiku Abubakar over Nyesom Wike underscores the ongoing fragmentation within the PDP. His justification, rooted in principles and national interest, highlights the complexities of political decision-making in Nigeria. This public declaration further solidifies his alignment within the PDP and signals his continued commitment to Atiku’s political vision. His simultaneous defense against allegations of financial misconduct underscores the challenges he faces in maintaining his political standing amidst scrutiny. His responses to these various issues reveal a calculated effort to navigate the turbulent waters of Nigerian politics, balancing personal relationships with political strategy, and defending his reputation while advancing his chosen political cause.
