Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has explained that his decision to withdraw from the 2027 Sokoto South Senatorial race was aimed at promoting unity within the African Democratic Congress and creating room for younger politicians to emerge within the party.
- +Why I withdrew from senatorial race – Tambuwal
Tambuwal, who is regarded as the leader of the ADC in Sokoto State, relinquished the party’s senatorial ticket to former Commissioner for Finance, Faruk Malami-Yabo, following days of consultations and disagreements over the selection of candidates for the 2027 general elections.
Tambuwal, who is regarded as the leader of the ADC in Sokoto State, relinquished the party’s senatorial ticket to former Commissioner for Finance, Faruk Malami-Yabo, following days of consultations and disagreements over the selection of candidates for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Friday during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting attended by party loyalists, community leaders, youth representatives and political associates, Tambuwal described Malami-Yabo as “a committed, capable, and visionary leader” with the competence and integrity required to sustain progressive leadership and strengthen democratic values in the state and beyond.
Tambuwal said, “The time has come for experienced leaders to deliberately create room for emerging voices and fresh ideas in the nation’s political space.
“Leadership is not about personal ambition alone; it is about continuity, service, and preparing others to carry the torch.
“I have absolute confidence in Faruk Malami-Yabo’s ability to provide purposeful leadership and unite our people for greater progress.”
He further stated that his decision to step back from frontline local politics should not be interpreted as retirement from public service, but rather as a strategic transition toward mentorship, guidance and nation-building initiatives aimed at empowering young Nigerians to actively participate in governance and leadership.
Malami-Yabo, while responding to the endorsement, expressed appreciation to Tambuwal for the confidence reposed in him, describing the former governor as “a political mentor, bridge-builder, and symbol of selfless leadership.”
He pledged to uphold the values of inclusiveness, accountability and people-oriented governance that Tambuwal had consistently championed throughout his political career.
The development is being viewed by political observers as a strategic move aimed at consolidating the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections in Sokoto State, while also signalling a generational shift and renewed emphasis on leadership succession, unity and continuity.
Confirming the development in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Friday, the Sokoto State Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Lamir Aminu, said Tambuwal sacrificed his ambition in the interest of peace and stability within the party.
“Tambuwal decided to relinquish the ticket to promote harmony and strengthen internal democracy in the party.
“The ADC leadership in Sokoto is committed to giving younger politicians the opportunity to contest positions. The move by our leader is a reflection of our party’s ideology of grooming young and vibrant leaders,” he said.
Aminu disclosed that most of the party’s tickets for House of Representatives seats in the state had also been handed to youthful candidates believed to possess the capacity to deliver development and quality representation to the people.
