Tambuwal slams Tinubu's administration, cautions against a perilous slide into single-party dominance

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the former Governor of Sokoto State, launched a scathing attack on the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday, accusing the federal government of eroding Nigeria's democratic foundations and exacerbating the socio-economic hardships faced by millions of citizens.

This criticism came shortly after the state congress of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto, where party leaders and supporters had gathered to consolidate the party's structures in preparation for future political contests.

Tambuwal warned that Nigeria's multiparty democratic system was under increasing pressure, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was systematically weakening opposition parties to entrench its political dominance.

The former governor declared, "The APC-led government has destroyed opposition in this country," and further alleged that the APC had "infected" other parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, the Labour Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

Tambuwal stated that there was now a push for all parties to endorse President Tinubu as the sole candidate, which he argued was not democratic.

Addressing party faithful, Tambuwal described the ADC as an emerging political force capable of restoring balance to Nigeria's political landscape, stressing that the party was gaining traction nationwide, with Sokoto playing a central role in its expansion.

Tambuwal said, "Sokoto remains the home of the ADC," and assured that from Sokoto, the party would continue to mobilise, strengthen its structures, and build unity to propel the party to greater national relevance.

He commended party stakeholders for successfully conducting what he described as transparent and orderly congresses from the grassroots to the state level, noting that the process demonstrated the party's commitment to internal democracy.

Tambuwal said, "We have conducted successful congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels," and commended the party's leaders and members for their dedication and discipline throughout the process.

Turning to national governance, the former governor accused the federal government of failing to confront Nigeria's most pressing challenges, particularly insecurity, economic instability, and unemployment.

Tambuwal stated, "The federal government has failed Nigerians in virtually all ramifications," and cited rising insecurity, deepening poverty, hunger, and increasing unemployment across the country as evidence.

Tambuwal further alleged that the ruling party was already preparing to deploy financial resources to influence voters ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning Nigerians against trading their future for short-term inducements.

He said, "They plan to deploy resources during the campaigns to buy votes," and cautioned Nigerians to consider whether they were ready to sell their future and mortgage the destiny of the next generation.

Tambuwal also accused the administration of attempting to weaken dissenting voices and manipulate democratic institutions in ways that could disadvantage opposition parties.

He asserted, "He presented himself as a democrat, but he is acting like a pseudo-democrat," and claimed that there were clear efforts to muzzle the opposition and influence key institutions, including the judiciary.

Despite the challenges confronting opposition politics, Tambuwal insisted that democratic forces across the country would remain steadfast in defending Nigeria's plural political system.

He declared, "We are standing firm, no shaking," and vowed to continue defending and sustaining multiparty democracy in Nigeria.

Tambuwal expressed optimism that the ADC would consolidate its growing support base and emerge as a formidable alternative in the next electoral cycle, confidently saying, "By the grace of God, we will win."

He added, "This time, no one will rig us out," and stated that the party was determined to rescue Nigeria and restore hope to its people.