Northern Nigeria in Political Lockdown as Tambuwal Leads Sokoto, Kebbi PDP into coalition bloc

Northern Nigeria in Political Lockdown as Tambuwal Leads Sokoto, Kebbi PDP into coalition bloc

 

 

 

Northern Nigeria is witnessing a major political shift as key chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto and Kebbi states move to align with a new coalition bloc aimed at unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

 

In what sources have described as a “total political lockdown,” prominent PDP leaders in Sokoto, led by former governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, have reportedly concluded plans to defect to the emerging coalition party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) — one of over 100 political parties currently seeking registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

According to insider sources, a high-level stakeholders’ meeting was held on Saturday at Tambuwal’s residence, where the decision to join the coalition was finalized. The meeting was attended by PDP’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, state party chairman Aliyu Goronyo, and other influential figures within the Sokoto PDP.

 

Senator Ndume expresses readiness to join coalition 

 

A source who attended the meeting told The PUNCH, “We held a crucial meeting, and the major agenda was the merger into ADA. We’re putting final touches to the arrangement, and an official announcement is expected soon.”

 

Although the PDP’s Sokoto State Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sanyinnawal, confirmed the meeting took place, he remained tight-lipped on the coalition plans, stating only that it was a routine stakeholders’ session.

 

Meanwhile, the PDP chapter in Kebbi State has also declared its readiness to join any political alliance geared toward unseating the APC at both the state and federal levels. Speaking to journalists after a similar meeting in Birnin Kebbi, party elder and chieftain, Dr Ibrahim Mera, revealed that Kebbi PDP was fully on board with ongoing efforts to build a nationwide opposition coalition.

 

“We are ready to collaborate with like-minded groups and political platforms committed to rescuing Nigeria from the hardship imposed by the APC-led government,” Mera stated. He also disclosed that preparations were underway for the party’s state congress to restructure and strengthen its grassroots base.

 

PDP’s Kebbi State Chairman, Usman Suru, also spoke during the meeting, urging Nigerians to stay hopeful amid worsening economic conditions. “We understand the pain our people are going through. The PDP is working to provide a better alternative that prioritises the welfare and security of all Nigerians,” he said.

 

Retired General Aminu Bande, the party’s 2023 governorship candidate in the state, didn’t hold back his criticism of the ruling APC government, accusing it of “gross mismanagement and political intimidation.”

 

“The current government in Kebbi State has resorted to witch-hunting opposition members through arbitrary arrests and harassment,” he alleged.

 

The dual movements in Sokoto and Kebbi are expected to send strong ripples across the political landscape in Northern Nigeria. With influential figures like Tambuwal at the forefront, political analysts say the defection could mark the beginning of a formidable opposition bloc that may challenge the APC’s hold on power in 2027.

 

As the newly formed ADA continues to gather momentum, observers are closely watching how this realignment could reshape the political map of Northern Nigeria and potentially the entire country.