Tambuwal Resigns From PDP, Reportedly Joins ADC Amid Ongoing Party Realignments

Former Sokoto State governor and senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has reportedly resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), marking another significant development in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

According to reports circulating on social media, the former governor formally submitted his resignation letter to the Tambuwal/Shinfiri ward chairman of the PDP on March 11, 2026. The information was reportedly confirmed by a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Bashar Isah Jabo, who represents Tambuwal East Constituency.

Jabo disclosed that Tambuwal has now joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that signals a major political shift for the experienced politician who has spent much of his career in the PDP.

A Major Political Figure

Tambuwal is one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures, having held several high-profile positions over the years. He previously served as Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015 before becoming governor of Sokoto State from 2015 to 2023.

After completing his second term as governor, Tambuwal returned to the National Assembly, where he currently represents Sokoto South in the Senate.

His political career has been marked by strategic alliances and notable shifts between parties. In 2014, he famously defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during a turbulent period in Nigerian politics, only to later return to the PDP in 2018.

Tambuwal also played a prominent role in national politics as a presidential aspirant during the PDP’s primary elections ahead of the 2023 general elections.

PDP’s Internal Challenges

His reported resignation comes at a time when the PDP continues to grapple with internal divisions and political uncertainty.

Since the aftermath of the 2023 elections, tensions within the party have persisted, with disagreements over leadership, regional balance, and strategy for rebuilding the opposition platform.

Political analysts have often pointed to lingering disputes involving key party figures, including former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Bola Tinubu.

These internal struggles have fueled speculation about potential defections and realignments among influential politicians ahead of future electoral contests.

Implications for Nigerian Politics

If confirmed, Tambuwal’s move to the ADC could strengthen the party’s visibility and influence, particularly in northern Nigeria where he maintains a strong political network.

The ADC has been positioning itself as an alternative platform for politicians seeking a new political home outside the dominant APC and PDP parties.

Observers believe that Tambuwal’s entry into the party could attract other political actors who are dissatisfied with existing party structures.

However, it remains unclear whether additional defections will follow or whether this move represents an isolated decision by the Sokoto senator.

Mixed Reactions

News of the reported resignation has generated mixed reactions among political observers and members of the public.

Some commentators view the development as another sign of the PDP’s ongoing struggles to maintain unity among its leading figures. Others argue that party switching has long been a common feature of Nigerian politics and may not significantly alter the broader political balance.

Critics of Nigerian politicians often point out that defections are frequently driven by political strategy rather than ideological differences.

For supporters of Tambuwal, however, the move could represent a strategic repositioning ahead of the next electoral cycle.

As the political landscape continues to shift, attention will likely remain focused on whether more prominent figures will follow similar paths and how these changes may reshape alliances across Nigeria’s major parties in the coming years.