Former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator for Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has refuted suggestions that the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition is being orchestrated as a northern political project in preparation for Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Tambuwal stressed that the opposition coalition is broad-based and nationally inclusive, not restricted to any regional or ethnic interest.
A Truly National Coalition
Responding to criticisms that the ADC-led alliance is designed to serve northern political elites, Tambuwal dismissed the idea as baseless. He pointed to the diverse backgrounds of its members and leaders as proof that the coalition’s identity goes beyond the North.
“Is Peter Obi from Northern Nigeria? Is Rauf Aregbesola not from Osun State? What are you telling me? Are they not all part of the coalition?” he asked rhetorically, emphasizing the coalition’s inclusivity.
According to him, branding the coalition as a “northern agenda” is a distraction that undermines its real purpose: providing Nigerians with a credible political alternative that reflects the nation’s diversity.
Call for Democratic Change
Tambuwal reaffirmed that the coalition’s ultimate goal is to bring about leadership change through constitutional and democratic means. He emphasized that the 2027 elections should be about giving Nigerians the opportunity to decide the country’s future, free from intimidation or manipulated narratives.
“The coalition is looking forward to a change of government through constitutional and democratic means on May 29, 2027,” Tambuwal declared.
He further encouraged Nigerians to engage actively in the democratic process, stressing that the right to vote remains the most powerful tool for driving political transformation.
Criticism of Tinubu’s Leadership
The senator also delivered scathing criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He accused the government of failing to meet the expectations of citizens, noting that economic hardship, insecurity, and poor governance have deepened since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
“It is not cast in stone that he may not lose in 2027. Every effort being made to make it look as if he is invisible — that Bola Tinubu cannot be defeated — is rubbish,” Tambuwal stated.
He argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has struggled to deliver on its campaign promises, leaving many Nigerians disillusioned and eager for change.
No Leader Is Invincible
Tambuwal stressed that democracy thrives on accountability and competition, warning against narratives that portray President Tinubu as politically untouchable. According to him, the power to shape Nigeria’s future rests with the people, not individual political figures.
“No one is above defeat in a democracy. Leaders come and go, but the will of the people endures,” he said.
The senator expressed confidence that if Nigerians are presented with a credible opposition platform, they will vote based on performance and vision rather than propaganda.
A Growing Opposition Momentum
Tambuwal’s remarks highlight the growing momentum among opposition parties ahead of 2027. By clarifying that the ADC-led coalition is not a northern project, he sought to strengthen its appeal as a truly national platform capable of attracting widespread support across the federation.
His comments also reflect a broader strategy by opposition leaders to unify their forces and challenge the APC’s dominance. With rising public dissatisfaction, Tambuwal argued that the 2027 elections could be a turning point if opposition groups successfully build a coalition that resonates with Nigerians.
Conclusion
Aminu Tambuwal’s intervention comes at a crucial moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. By rejecting claims that the ADC coalition is regionally driven, he has reinforced its image as a diverse and inclusive platform. At the same time, his sharp critique of President Tinubu’s government underscores the urgency of offering Nigerians a credible alternative.
As 2027 draws closer, debates about Nigeria’s political direction are intensifying. Whether the ruling APC maintains its grip on power or the opposition successfully rallies around a united front will depend on how Nigerians weigh the choices before them. For Tambuwal and his allies, the message is clear: the coalition is not a northern agenda, but a national project built to give Nigerians a new path forward.
