Tambuwal Denies Defection to APC, Says Reports ‘False, Baseless’ as ADC Loyalty Remains Firm

Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has broken his silence on reports claiming he plans to defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing the speculation as entirely without foundation.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Prince Daniel, on behalf of the AWT Media Office, Tambuwal insisted he has no intention of leaving the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Tambuwal has no plans to join the APC. Suggestions to the contrary are false, baseless and should be disregarded,” the statement said.

The denial followed the circulation of photographs and video clips on social media that reportedly fueled speculation about a possible political realignment involving the former Sokoto State governor.

Tambuwal’s media office argued that his interactions with politicians across party lines should not be misinterpreted as evidence of an impending defection. “Political civility is no proof of political realignment. Exchanging greetings or interacting with members of another party does not amount to negotiating a change of allegiance,” Daniel said.

The statement described Tambuwal as a statesman with longstanding relationships across political divides, adding that such connections were built over years of public service and mutual respect rather than political calculation.

“Senator Tambuwal remains firmly committed to the ADC. His focus is on strengthening the party, building broad cooperation and mobilising Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement added.

The media office also urged Nigerians to focus on the country’s pressing economic, security and governance challenges rather than engage in unsubstantiated political speculation, warning that “speculation must never be presented as fact”.

Tambuwal, who governed Sokoto State from 2015 to 2023, was elected senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District in 2023.

A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, he previously contested the Peoples Democratic Party presidential ticket before moving to the ADC, where he has become a prominent opposition figure ahead of the 2027 elections.