As expected the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and ex-Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and pitched his political tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Tambuwal made the announcement in the early hours of Thursday through a statement posted on X, confirming that he had formally resigned from the PDP and communicated his decision in writing to his ward chairman before aligning with the ADC alongside his loyalists and political associates.

“Today, after deep reflection and consultations, I have formally resigned my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, and I have communicated my resignation to my ward chairman in writing,” he said.

The former Sokoto governor blamed his exit on the PDP’s lingering internal crisis, leadership wrangling, and widening divisions that he said have eroded the unity and direction that once defined the party.

According to him, the persistent turmoil within the PDP had made it increasingly difficult for him to remain part of the party.

Tambuwal, however, acknowledged the role the PDP played in his political rise, a journey that saw him emerge as Speaker of the House of Representatives before serving two consecutive terms as Governor of Sokoto State.

Despite the history, he said the party’s internal deterioration had made continued membership untenable.

Explaining his decision to join the ADC, Tambuwal said he believes the platform offers a fresh path for democratic progress and national development.

“I am convinced that this decision is guided by my belief that Nigeria needs a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, and a clear commitment to national development,” he stated.

Tambuwal also reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, justice, and national unity.

His defection comes amid growing political realignments ahead of future elections, including the recent move by former presidential candidate Peter Obi to the ADC—developments analysts say could significantly boost the party’s profile and reshape the opposition landscape in Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria, describing them as key pillars for the country’s unity and stability.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Wednesday during an inter-faith breaking of the fast with members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress and the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The President said strengthening internal democracy within political parties is essential for building credible electoral institutions and processes in the country. He added that direct primaries would give party members greater opportunity to participate in choosing their representatives at various levels of governance.

Tinubu described himself as a committed democrat who had been part of the struggle to restore democratic rule in Nigeria.

According to him, “Some of us were bruised struggling for democracy. We were detained, we protested, we had street demonstrations and even went into exile. We formed NADECO and remained committed to a united Nigeria.”

He stressed that under his administration there would be no threat to democratic principles and that the rule of law would continue to prevail.

“The majority will have their way while the minority will have their say. That is the sweetness and essence of democracy,” he said.

The President also assured political party leaders of his commitment to conducting free and fair elections, noting that democracy thrives on voluntary participation and respect for established rules.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, commended Tinubu for what he described as strong leadership and effective management of the country’s human and material resources.

He expressed appreciation to the President for hosting the leadership of the APC and other political parties for the Ramadan fast-breaking and pledged the party’s continued support for his administration.

Also speaking, Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, appealed to the President to reconsider the inclusion of the National Identity Number as a requirement for voter registration under the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026.

Dantalle warned that the requirement could disenfranchise many eligible voters and also raised concerns about the removal of the indirect mode of party nominations in the new law.

He further appealed for the restoration of financial support from the Independent National Electoral Commission to political parties.

Dantalle also informed the President about a documentary titled “Unbroken Democracy” produced to mark 26 years of democratic governance in Nigeria. The film, supported by Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, is expected to premiere at the State House soon.

Three senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further reducing the opposition party’s representation in the Senate.

The defecting lawmakers are Amos Yunana (Adamawa North), Aminu Iya Abbas (Adamawa Central), and Ikra Aliyu Bilbis (Zamfara Central).

Their defection came barely 24 hours after Senator Banigo Ipalibo (Rivers West) also announced her move to the APC.

With the latest development, the PDP’s membership in the Senate has dropped from 17 to 14, while the APC’s strength has increased from 81 to 84 members. The party had 35 senators at the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June 2023.

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, read the letters of defection during plenary and described the development as a reversal of the situation that played out in 2018.

Akpabio said, “What is happening now between PDP and APC senators is more of a 1–1 draw. In 2018, about 30 senators defected from APC to PDP in one day. Now it is the other way round, with PDP senators defecting en masse to APC, thanks to the good governance and bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Also reacting, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, welcomed the lawmakers to the ruling party, saying their decision reflects growing confidence in the administration.

“The defectors are not daft; they have seen that something is working in the country for the good of all, and they want to be part of it,” Bamidele said.

The latest defections come amid recent political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections and follow the reported defection of the governors of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, and Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, to the APC.

The PDP has continued to grapple with internal leadership disputes, which observers say have contributed to the growing wave of defections from the party.