Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State and current federal lawmaker, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of leveraging economic hardship to coerce defections from opposition parties and maintain its grip on power.
In a statement, Tambuwal criticized the APC’s recent attacks on him, describing them as attempts to suppress dissent and divert attention from Nigeria’s escalating crises. His remarks came in response to comments by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who dismissed Tambuwal’s concerns over recent defections as unfounded.
Tambuwal contends that the influx of politicians into the APC is driven not by genuine ideological alignment but by desperation amid the severe economic challenges resulting from the ruling party’s policies. He stated, “The APC wants to deceive Nigerians into believing that these defections are proof of good governance. The truth is that life under this administration has become unbearable—inflation is skyrocketing, insecurity is worsening, and unemployment is deepening.”
He further warned that the APC’s tactics of intimidation and inducement pose a significant threat to democracy, likening their strategy to the foundation of a one-party authoritarian state. Tambuwal lamented that the party he once helped establish has lost its way due to the influence of self-serving individuals indifferent to the plight of the masses.
Urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, Tambuwal emphasized the need for decisive action to reclaim governance from those who have turned it into a tool for personal gain. He concluded, “The APC should stop attacking those who speak the truth and focus on fixing the mess they have created. Nigeria needs real leadership, not a party that weaponizes hunger and hardship to retain power.”
These statements reflect ongoing political tensions as the nation grapples with economic and security challenges.
