2019 Presidency: Why Tambuwal Excites PDP?

Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, on Wednesday, announced his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, causing a gale of excitement in the main opposition party.

The governor defected with 18 of the 30 state assembly members. He announced his defection in front of a tumultuous crowd of enthusiastic supporters who came to the Government House venue from different parts of the state.

His defection brought to three the number of governors who crossed over from the ruling party to PDP. The other two are Samuel Ortom and Abdulfatah Ahmed of Benue and Kwara respectively.

The Senate President Bukola Saraki and no fewer than 50 lawmakers from the National Assembly, also cross-carpeted and pitched tent with the main opposition Party.

Tambuwal had said his defection was necessitated by the fact that he could no longer be a part of a conspiracy against Nigeria’s cohesion which he explained that the APC-led Federal Government represents.

“It is because I am convinced that no nation can thrive while there is inequity and bad governance; because I am saddened by the fact that lethargy, incompetence and sustained denial of obvious leadership missteps have become the major raw materials with which the Nigerian state is being run today; because I am unwilling to be part of a frightful conspiracy against the cohesion of the Nigerian state, Nigerian youths and peoples; because I am unable to feel at ease in the face of a progressively divided nation and, above all, because I am totally unable to reconcile myself to a national leadership that offers no redeeming moral beacons that I am here with you today; to announce withdrawal of my membership of the All Progressives Congress and return to the Peoples Democratic Party,” he had said.

THE WHISTLER reports that Tambuwal’s reason for returning to PDP might not be unconnected to his desire to fulfill his ambition of becoming Nigeria’s President in 2019.

This however means that he will be contending for the PDP ticket with the likes of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dankwabo and a former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi, all of who are nursing presidential ambitions.

So far his defection seems to have excited PDP bigwigs and fellow decampees. Atiku has however welcomed the governor back to the PDP, stating that the party is “the only truly pan-Nigerian party.”

Similarly, Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister and PDP chieftain, in his reaction, described the Sokoto Governor as a dynamic and inspiring leader.

“Glad that my friend and brother, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, has left the Association of Pedophiles and Coprophiliacs (APC) and returned to the land of the living.

“He is a young, strong, vibrant, pragmatic, dynamic and inspiring leader who has much to offer. We are blessed to have him back!” he said.

On his own part, the Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo welcomed Tambuwal to the party, stating that he went on ‘sabbatical leave’ to the APC.

“Glad you are finally back home. Power to the People,” he said.

Similarly, the PDP said Tambuwal’s decision to return to the party was “courageous, patriotic and shows him as a statesman, who puts the interest of the nation above all.

The party in a statement by its spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, said it has “no doubts that Governor Tambuwal will indeed contribute immensely towards the rebuilding of our dear nation on the platform of the PDP.”

In the same vein, National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, hailed Tambuwal for taking a bold step for democracy.

“These defectors are making a bold statement for democracy and their sacrifices must not go unrecognised,” said the PDP national chairman in a statement by his media assistant, Ike Abonyi.

“More and more people will leave the APC because no true democrat would find a home in an undemocratic and dictatorial body,” he added.

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state who is arguably the leader of the PDP at present in his welcome statement, said Tambuwal’s defection is “victory for democracy”.

“This is a victory for democracy. There are lots of Nigerians who believe that the right thing should be done. What the Sokoto State governor has done is the right thing.

“There are some people who have said that we cannot continue to live in a world of intimidation. We cannot continue to live in a world of harassment. Every right thinking Nigerian should come together to see that something is done to salvage the country.

“Democracy is under threat in Nigeria. Nobody obeys court judgments. Nobody obeys the rule of law. If you say anything they come after you. That is no democracy. Democracy means allowing people to have different opinions,” he said.

There are speculations that whoever Wike anoints as his candidate may emerge as Nigeria’s next president, and it appears the Sokoto governor has the support of Wike.

Recall that the Rivers governor’s loyalists emerged leaders of the party in its December 2017 national convention. Wike and Tambuwal have been friends and are known to be very close. Wike had visited Sokoto State several times to meet Tambuwal. The latter too had visited Rivers several times on the invitation of Wike.

Meanwhile, Tambuwal’s godfather, Aliyu Wamakko, who is the Senator representing Sokoto North in the National Assembly and the APC leader in his state has clarified that he remains an APC member, adding that his loyalty lies with President Muhammadu Buhari who has also announced his ambition to seek a second term.

“The people of Sokoto are behind Mr President General Muhammadu Buhari, they are certainly behind Senator Wamakko their former governor, and all other leaders who chose to remain in APC.

“Insha Allah by Saturday or Sunday when I get back to Sokoto, you will see who is really in charge of Sokoto. I am assuring you that there is no cause for alarm,” Wamakko had said speaking on NTA last night.

Tambuwal was touted as the Presidential candidate of the APC in 2015 and many in the party thought he would be more acceptable to other parts of the country. A lawyer by profession, Tambuwal is intelligent, cosmopolitan and detribalized. It is believed that he would also get the support of legislators who worked with him in the 7th National Assembly across the country.

When Tambuwal finally announces his intention to run, only time will tell whether he will get the PDP Presidential ticket. And if he does get it, whether he has the political clout to defeat President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 general election.