By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on Saturday launched a fierce attack on the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the federal government of undermining Nigeria’s democratic foundations and worsening the socio-economic hardships faced by millions of citizens.

Tambuwal made the remarks shortly after the state congress of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto, where party leaders and supporters gathered to consolidate the party’s structures ahead of future political contests.

The former governor warned that Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system was increasingly under pressure, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was systematically weakening opposition parties to entrench political dominance.

“The APC-led government has destroyed opposition in this country,” Tambuwal declared.

“They have infected the Peoples Democratic Party, the Labour Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party. There is now a push for all parties to endorse President Tinubu as the sole candidate. That is not democracy.”

Addressing party faithful, Tambuwal described the ADC as an emerging political force capable of restoring balance to Nigeria’s political landscape, stressing that the party was gaining traction nationwide, with Sokoto playing a central role in its expansion.

“Sokoto remains the home of the ADC,” he said. “From here we will continue to mobilise, strengthen our structures and build unity that will propel the party to greater national relevance.”

He commended party stakeholders for successfully conducting what he described as transparent and orderly congresses from the grassroots to the state level, noting that the process demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy.

“We have conducted successful congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels,” Tambuwal said. “I commend our leaders and members for their dedication and discipline throughout the process.”

Turning to national governance, the former governor accused the federal government of failing to confront Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, particularly insecurity, economic instability, and unemployment.

“The federal government has failed Nigerians in virtually all ramifications,” he stated. “What we see today is rising insecurity, deepening poverty, hunger, and increasing unemployment across the country.”

Tambuwal further alleged that the ruling party was already preparing to deploy financial resources to influence voters ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning Nigerians against trading their future for short-term inducements.

“They plan to deploy resources during the campaigns to buy votes,” he said. “But Nigerians must ask themselves if they are ready to sell their future and mortgage the destiny of the next generation.”

He also accused the administration of attempting to weaken dissenting voices and manipulate democratic institutions in ways that could disadvantage opposition parties.

“He presented himself as a democrat, but he is acting like a pseudo-democrat,” Tambuwal asserted.

“There are clear efforts to muzzle the opposition and influence key institutions, including the judiciary.”

Despite the challenges confronting opposition politics, Tambuwal insisted that democratic forces across the country would remain steadfast in defending Nigeria’s plural political system.

“We are standing firm, no shaking,” he declared. “We will continue to defend and sustain multiparty democracy in Nigeria.”

He expressed optimism that the ADC would consolidate its growing support base and emerge as a formidable alternative in the next electoral cycle.

“By the grace of God, we will win,” Tambuwal said confidently. “This time, no one will rig us out. We are determined to rescue Nigeria and restore hope to our people.”