Tambuwal Calls for Selfless and Inclusive Leadership to Unite Nigeria
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and immediate past Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, has said Nigeria remains a great country with vast potential but requires a new generation of selfless and inclusive leaders to address the nation’s deep political and social divisions.
Speaking in Sokoto on Friday, on the eve of his 60th birthday, Tambuwal reflected on Nigeria’s journey since independence. He acknowledged the progress made but noted that the country has fallen short of its full potential.
“Nigeria is a great country. It is still a work in progress. Some achievements have been recorded, but not as expected. Much of the work rests on the shoulders of the leaders of the country,” he said.
Tambuwal emphasised that human capital development is central to nation-building. He said youth empowerment should be at the heart of government policies, recalling his efforts as governor to invest in education, healthcare, and leadership training for young people.
“Our focus was on growing the youth — investing in their education, healthcare, and future. We need to do more in identifying young people, moulding them, and mentoring them for leadership,” he added.
On national unity, Tambuwal said Nigeria’s diversity is a strength, but it requires careful and responsible governance. He criticised the current federal administration, accusing it of “ethnic chauvinism.”
“President Bola Tinubu is leaning more towards empowering the South-West, not even the South as a whole. Even within the South-West, people say it is about his Lagos State. The existing fault lines are widening, and the President needs to run a truly Nigerian government,” he stated.
Tambuwal, a leading figure in a growing opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, said the movement is gaining momentum nationwide. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to pressure governors into joining its ranks.
“Nobody is going to write any result this time around. Any attempt to do so will be resisted lawfully and constitutionally,” he warned.
Asked about the strength of the opposition coalition, Tambuwal said its main goal is to rebuild trust between political actors and the Nigerian people.
“We are beginning again, working to bring everybody on board who is concerned about unity, progress, and development. It is a work in progress. At the end of the various consultations, we will take a position,” he said.
Reflecting on his 2018 defection from the APC, Tambuwal emphasised that political decisions should be based on conviction, not convenience.
“When I defected, I did not join President Buhari’s party. I joined the opposition because I believed the administration was derailing. Defections to align with the centre for protection are not democracy,” he concluded.
Tambuwal’s remarks highlight the growing anticipation of a fiercely contested 2027 election, as political blocs negotiate new alignments and coalitions ahead of the polls.
