By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
In what took many by surprise, the opposition political party atmosphere in Sokoto was greeted with shock following announcement that the State leader of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal will not be seeking re-election come 2027.
The development, considered as a huge sacrifice for the unity and stability of the ADC saw the emergence of another cherished politician, Faruk Malami Yabo a seasoned banker, finance Commissioner and former Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan as the favoured candidate to contest the Sokoto South Senatorial District seat come 2027.
Although, efforts to get further details from Senator Tambuwal at the time of filing this report proved unsuccessful, he was said to have noted that the decision to step down his reelection bid was both strategic and sacrificial.
A source from within the party told our Correspondent that Senator Tambuwal’s decision to step aside for Faruk Malami Yabo to contest the Sokoto South Senatorial slot was an integral part of his philosophy of paving the way for others to grow politically.
“You see, the decision taken by our respected leader, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to step down his 2027 reelection bid for a younger person was his belief in not just grooming others but also giving others opportunity to contribute their own quota to the nation.
“Senator Tambuwal believes in inclusive, people and result oriented leadership which was why during his time as governor of Sokoto state he gave opportunity to women to produce three councillors from each ward, appointed three women as commissioners and also gave huge consideration to youths participation in governance.
“Frankly speaking, Senator Tambuwal simply displayed contentment and appreciation to the people of Sokoto by stepping aside for another person to come on board. Don’t forget, Senator Tambuwal has never lost any election in the six times he contested. He spent three consecutive terms in the House of Representatives and eventually became the Speaker.
“After that, some respected elders from the north and other parts of this country appealed to Tambuwal to drop his Presidential ambition in 2015 to allow now late President Muhammadu Buhari contest.
“As the humble politician that he is, Tambuwal agreed and opted to contest the governorship seat of Sokoto in 2015 which he won and got reelected again in 2019. And after completing his eight years as governor he was again elected as Senator in 2023 to represent his Senatorial District of Sokoto South. Therefore, if he honourably steps aside for others now, then, that shows the peak of political maturity and contentment,” the source added.
Tambuwal is also said to have demonstrated his confidence in the younger generation by ensuring that a good number of the party’s House of Representatives tickets goes to younger candidates.
