Tambuwal joins PDP, describes APC as ‘sanctuary of the corrupt’

Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto state, has described the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a “sanctuary for the corrupt”, announcing his return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

Tambuwal was elected speaker of the house of representatives under the platform of PDP but defected to APC in 2014.

He won the governorship ticket of the APC and defeated the PDP candidate in the 2015 election.

But addressing his supporters in Sokoto on Wednesday, the governor said the ruling party had derailed.

He said the circumstances which led to his exit failed to meet the expectations of the masses.

Tambuwal said after a wide consultation, he opted to return to the PDP which, according to him, has learnt from the mistakes of the past.

“​I speak to you today with a mixture of sadness and relief because I did not expect that the APC, which promised so much when the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) stood under the sway of impunity, could not maintain or manage whatever good it inherited,” he said.

“t has also not broken new grounds in any positive sense, but has instead reached historically unprecedented heights of impunity in all manner of vices far above and beyond the challenges which made some of us to leave the PDP about four years ago to join others to form the APC.

“The party has brazenly turned itself into a sanctuary for the corrupt and a machine for rigging and for the rape of democracy.

“The struggle for democracy is one that began with our fight for independence as a sovereign nation. To this end, the blood, freedom and other liberties of our past heroes and contemporary veterans were sacrificed. The current dispensation began in 1999, as the watershed of our toil, which granted to us a democratic system that is striving to evolve and survive.

“​As the speaker of the house of representatives then, I left my comfort zone to be involved in the struggle for the enthronement of purposeful leadership for the citizens of our dear country.

“Now, almost four years into what ought to be a new order as desired and elected by Nigerians, the nation is unfortunately going through the most difficult and precarious times, since the civil war; with ethno, religious and regional distrust at its highest ebb.”

Tambuwal alleged that the federal government had sidelined his people in appointment and projects due to them.

​”Let me also put it on record that all attempts to discuss the electoral promises of the APC-led government, including the restructuring of the country as promised Nigerians and as contained in the APC manifesto, have proved abortive.

“Beyond that, I cannot look those who elected me their governor here in Sokoto state in the face and boldly point to any meaningful federal projects initiated in the state under the APC government. Even the bulk of uncompleted federal projects here that were inherited from the previous administration have largely remained in their state of neglect. Sokoto state is also not being meaningfully carried along in political appointments and in other matters of national importance.

“Like most states of the North, and indeed the entire federation, elders and traditional institutions have come under measured disrespect. The recent attack in Tabinnii in Rabah LGA of Sokoto State, the routine invasion of Zamfara state by armed bandits, the now-regular killing of policemen by unknown gun men all over the country, the regular massacre of innocent people in the North East axis and many similar daily incidents, do not attract much attention any more.

“Let me at this juncture state emphatically that I return to the PDP with a clear conscience today, because the party has learnt some bitter lessons and noted what mistakes it must avoid in the future. It is now a repositioned and forward looking political party to which I now pledge loyalty, in my resolve to contribute towards improving the lives of Nigerians and expanding opportunities for the youths. It is only by working together as agents of development that we can promote excellence, competence, good governance and enthronement of genuine democracy to save Nigeria.”

TheCable had reported that three APC governors would return to PDP.

Of the three – Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara and Samuel Ortom of Benue – Tambuwal is the last to defect.

He joined the PDP one day after Senate President Bukola Saraki left the ruling party for the opposition party.

Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesman of the ruling party, has also resigned from the APC.