A faction of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Sokoto state has rejected former governor of the state and senator representing Sokoto south, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s defection to the party.
The group said the claim was inaccurate, stressing that Tambuwal did not comply with the party’s constitutional procedure for admission.
The state leadership of the party, led by its chairman, Umar Faruk, said there was no record indicating that the former governor registered at the ward level, which it described as the only valid route for membership.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s publicity secretary, Murtala Aliyu, the faction said inquiries made from officials in Tambuwal’s ward and local government area failed to confirm his enrolment in the party.
The statement noted that the party contacted the ADC chairman in Tambuwal Ward and the party chairman in Tambuwal local government area, Aminu Tambari, both of whom, it was learned, denied being aware of any such development.
“The leadership of the party in the ward and local government where Senator Tambuwal hails from confirmed that they were neither informed nor consulted about the alleged defection, as required by the party’s constitution and procedures,” the statement said.
The faction also cautioned the party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Sokoto state, Belo Isiyaku, also known as Keegan, against presenting himself as having the authority to admit individuals into the party.
It maintained that party membership cannot be arranged privately and must be processed through the ward structure under the supervision of the ward chairman.
The party further warned Tambuwal against interfering in its activities in Sokoto State, noting that such actions could lead to legal consequences.
“Therefore, the party leadership warns Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal not to involve himself in matters concerning the ADC in Sokoto State, as doing so may compel the party to take legal action,” the statement added.
Despite the dispute, the faction said the party remains open to new members who are willing to follow the established procedure.
“The ADC welcomes all individuals who wish to contribute to the growth of the party, but it will not tolerate any form of backdoor entry,” the statement said.
Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto state and a leading member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was recently reported to have resigned from the party and moved to the ADC, a claim that has stirred debate within political circles in the state.
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