SOKOTO — Former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has levelled a grave allegation against the Presidency, claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu struck a “secret undemocratic deal” with state governors to secure their 2023 electoral victories at the Supreme Court.
Speaking on the occasion of his birthday in January 2026, Tambuwal alleged that many governors were returned to office despite “clear cases of injustice” because of a negotiated “Political I.O.U.”. He claimed the presidency actively intervened in judicial processes to pressure governors into aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Allegations of Judicial Interference
Tambuwal, who served as the PDP Presidential Campaign Director-General in 2023, asserted that the independence of the judiciary has been undermined by political bargaining:
Compromised Verdicts: He stated that even where unresolved legal disputes existed, a “negotiated intervention” by the presidency ensured governors remained in power. “This clearly means the Supreme Court is compromised,” he declared, adding that such actions are “pure intimidation and harassment”.
Coercion via Anti-Graft Agencies: The Senator also accused the administration of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to “empty opposition governors” into the APC by threatening them with corruption probes.
The 2027 Agenda: According to Tambuwal, these defecting governors have been led to believe that aligning with the centre will allow them to “write results” for the 2027 general elections.
‘We Will Resist Rigging’ — Tambuwal Vows Opposition Force
Dismissing the notion of a predetermined outcome for the next election cycle, Tambuwal warned defectors that the opposition is prepared to defend the democratic process. “Nobody is going to write any results this time around,” he insisted.
He emphasized that he has joined a broad national coalition—including figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi—aimed at “flushing out” the Tinubu-led government through lawful and constitutional means.
Reactions from the APC and State Authorities
The ruling party has dismissed Tambuwal’s claims as a “failed attempt to rewrite the truth” and a “political witch-hunt”:
APC Rebuttal: Spokesmen for the APC argued that Nigerians overwhelmingly supported Tinubu in 2023 and urged Tambuwal to focus on answering allegations of financial irregularities from his time as governor.
₦117 Billion Probe: In a simultaneous development, a judicial commission of inquiry in Sokoto recently alleged that over ₦117 billion was misappropriated during Tambuwal’s tenure—a claim his supporters maintain is part of the “political harassment” he described.
As Nigeria inches toward the 2027 polls, the exchange highlights a deepening distrust in the impartiality of judicial and electoral institutions.
