Dare Babalola
The spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, on Saturday praised former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, describing his decision not to seek re-election to the Senate as a rare demonstration of selfless leadership.
Tambuwal, who presently represents Sokoto South Senatorial District in the Senate, announced on Friday that he will not seek re-election, effectively stepping aside from the contest for another term in office.
His decision comes despite having a clear political advantage and the opportunity to consolidate his influence in the upper legislative chamber.
Rather than return to the Senate, Tambuwal opted to pave the way for another political associate to emerge as his successor
In a post made on X, Abdullahi celebrated the lawmaker saying he had the opportunity to contest for another term in the upper legislative chamber and was also well-positioned to pursue a leadership role in the Senate, but chose instead to step aside.
“A Leader Like Tambuwal. Today, I celebrate my friend and brother, H.E. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal,” Abdullahi wrote.
He noted that Tambuwal’s decision had created space for one of his political followers to occupy the senatorial seat, describing the gesture as an intentional effort to nurture new leadership.
“Tambuwal had a free pass to contest for the Senate for another term and a great opportunity to position for the Senate leadership. But he chose not to contest for re-election. With this decision, he has made way for one of his followers to take his seat in the upper legislative chamber,” he stated.
Abdullahi contrasted Tambuwal’s action with what he described as a growing trend among some political office holders who seek to retain positions or move directly from one elective office to another without creating room for successors.
“In this same country where a serving governor is also running for the Senate, Tambuwal shows a great example, recognising that part of his duty as a leader is also to make way for those who have followed him and give them the opportunity to become leaders in their own right,” he added.
He further described the decision as a significant sacrifice, noting Tambuwal’s relatively young age in politics.
“Given his own relatively young age, this must be recognised as a huge sacrifice,” Abdullahi wrote, before concluding with a message of appreciation: “Kudos to you, my brother.”
