Former Sokoto State Governor and senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has restated his determination to work with political allies across Nigeria to bring an end to what he described as the “failed leadership” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The former governor made this declaration on Thursday in Sokoto, just hours after regaining freedom from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
EFCC launched an investigation into the former Governor over allegations of misappropriating ₦189 billion during his administration.
Upon his arrival at his Kontagora Road residence, he was greeted by a jubilant throng of supporters chanting victory songs and waving party flags in a display of political solidarity.
Sharing his experience with the anti-graft agency, Tambuwal revealed that he honoured its invitation on August 6. However, despite his track record as a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term governor, and currently serving senator, the EFCC refused to grant him release on personal recognition.
According to him, the agency insisted that he must present two senior civil servants as sureties before being considered for bail. “I made the request, but it was rejected. Even though I was in the company of three Senior Advocates of Nigeria, I was still kept in Cell N23,” he recounted.
Expressing defiance, Tambuwal stated, “I cannot be intimidated or blackmailed. I am confident that I will be vindicated, and in the end, victory will be ours.”
Tambuwal explained that the coalition he belongs to is not a spontaneous political grouping, but a deliberate and strategic alliance of Nigerians united by a shared vision for the country’s future.
“We are a coalition of like minds, bound together by the belief that Nigeria can and must be better than this,” he said. “Our purpose is to act strictly within democratic principles and constitutional processes to peacefully but decisively remove the APC-led government from office.”
He stressed that the movement’s ultimate aim is to rescue the country from worsening socio-economic distress, restore transparency and accountability in governance, and reestablish the rule of law.
Tambuwal did not hold back in his criticism of the Tinubu administration. He accused the government of lacking empathy for the suffering masses and failing to address Nigeria’s escalating crises.
“This government has no compassion, no sympathy, and no sense of urgency,” he lamented. “Under its watch, insecurity has become entrenched, poverty levels have surged, and the dream of national development is slipping further away.”
The senator argued that the administration’s policies are “anti-people” and devoid of humane consideration, adding that the current leadership has pushed the nation “into the trash” through poor economic management and disregard for public welfare.
Tambuwal claimed that the outcome of the 2023 general elections was the product of manipulation, alleging that the process was neither free nor fair. “Unfortunately, the 2023 election was rigged,” he said.
“Since then, we have seen a total abandonment of the federal character principle, inequitable distribution of national projects, and worsening marginalisation of certain regions.”
He maintained that the Tinubu administration has failed to offer solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges, economic instability, and social unrest. “These are issues this government cannot handle,” he declared.
The former governor revealed that certain political forces, unsettled by the progress of the coalition, have resorted to harassment and intimidation. However, he insisted that such tactics would not derail the movement.
“They are confused, they are dumbfounded, and they fear the growing strength of this coalition,” he said. “But let it be clear — there is no going back. We are committed to salvaging Nigeria from the grip of misrule.”
Tambuwal emphasised that his political stance is in line with the prevailing sentiment among Nigerians, many of whom he believes are eager for change. “Nigerians are not fools,” he said.
“They still believe in the democratic process as a tool for transformation, and that is exactly what our coalition represents.”
Tambuwal expressed gratitude to his political associates, grassroots supporters, and well-wishers in Sokoto and beyond for their loyalty and prayers during his detention. He paid special tribute to the resilience of those who have worked tirelessly to keep the coalition’s agenda alive.
“Our struggle is for the soul of Nigeria,” he said. “And together, we will see it through.”