Former Governor of Sokoto State and current Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has expressed dual positions that underline both his political and security concerns: a firm commitment to working with opposition leaders to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027, and strong support for Tinubu’s push to establish state police as a response to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Tambuwal described the opposition alliance as a “national consensus,” dismissing suggestions that the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition was a northern agenda. “Is Peter Obi from Northern Nigeria? Is Aregbesola not from Osun State? What are you telling me? Are they not all part of the coalition?” he asked, insisting the plan to oust Tinubu cut across regions and parties.
Tambuwal argued that the administration had failed to meet Nigerians’ expectations, warning that portraying Tinubu as unbeatable was “rubbish.” According to him, the president could be defeated if opposition heavyweights — including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Goodluck Jonathan, and Rabiu Kwankwaso — unite behind a single candidate. He cautioned, however, that if each chose to contest separately, vote splitting would make it easier for Tinubu to retain power.
While firm in his political stance, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives also aligned himself with Tinubu on the urgent need for state police. He painted a grim picture of his Sokoto South senatorial district, where bandits, he said, had overrun several local governments including Shagari, Tureta, and Bodinga. “They have almost taken over every local government in Sokoto South and Sokoto East,” he lamented.
Tambuwal insisted that Nigeria’s security realities demand localized policing, arguing that federal officers often lack knowledge of local terrain and language. “We need more boots on the ground in the police and the army,” he said, while stressing that reforms must include adequate recruitment, better welfare, and modern tools for security personnel. He also rejected claims that bandits were being paid by government officials, saying he had no knowledge of such arrangements.
Sources
