Dare Babalola
A faction of the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto State has stated that former Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, did not follow the required constitutional procedures for membership.
The party leadership in the state, under the chairmanship of Umar Faruk, has stated that it has no record of Tambuwal’s registration at the ward level, which it asserts is the sole legitimate channel for joining the party.
The ADC, through its Publicity Secretary, Murtala Aliyu, issued a statement on Thursday, revealing that investigations conducted among party officials in Tambuwal’s ward and local government area turned up no proof of his membership in the party.
The statement revealed that when contacted, the ADC chairman in Tambuwal Ward and the party chairman in Tambuwal Local Government Area, Aminu Tambari, both disclaimed knowledge of Tambuwal’s supposed membership, stating they had no information on the matter.
“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.
Furthermore, the party cautioned its 2023 governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Belo Isiyaku, popularly known as Keegan, against falsely representing himself as authorised to admit individuals into the party.
The ADC leadership emphasised that party membership acquisition must follow due process, stating that it cannot be done privately and must be facilitated at the ward level under the direct supervision of the ward chairman.
The party further cautioned Tambuwal against interfering in its affairs in Sokoto State, warning that any attempt to do so could lead to legal action.
“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 controversy, the party maintained that its doors remain open to individuals willing to join through the proper channels.
“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 key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party, was recently reported to have resigned from the party and joined the ADC, a development that has generated debate within the state’s political circles.
