Former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has reportedly withdrawn from the 2027 Sokoto South Senatorial race.
According to reports, the former governor stepped down from his reelection bid and endorsed Amb. Faruk Malami Yabo as the consensus candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the senatorial seat.
Move Sparks Political Speculations
The development has triggered reactions across social media and political circles, with many observers suggesting the move could signal bigger political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Some supporters claimed Tambuwal remains one of the most influential opposition figures in northern Nigeria and may be positioning himself for a national role.
“You see that Tambuwal stepping aside from senate eeeh. I feel he is preparing to become VP,” one political observer wrote online.
Others speculated that the former governor could align politically with Seyi Makinde, who recently declared his presidential ambition in Ibadan.
Tambuwal’s Political Journey
Tambuwal first gained national prominence as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State for three terms.
He later emerged as Speaker of the House of Representatives, serving between 2011 and 2015.
The former governor initially belonged to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 while serving as Speaker.
In 2015, he won the Sokoto governorship election under the APC and governed the state for two terms.
Tambuwal later returned to the PDP in 2018 after consultations with political stakeholders in Sokoto State.
2023 Presidential Ambition
Ahead of the 2023 general election, Tambuwal contested for the PDP presidential ticket.
However, during the primary election, he stepped down from the race and directed his supporters to back former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who eventually emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.
After completing his tenure as governor in 2023, Tambuwal returned to the National Assembly as Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District under the PDP.