Sokoto: Tambuwal expresses worry over alleged political intolerance

File Photo: Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal

Ex-Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, has condemned alleged attacks and intimidation of opposition politicians in Sokoto State, vowing to resist any attempt to undermine democratic rights.

A statement made available to Arewa PUNCH by the former governor’s media office on Tuesday stated that Tambuwal spoke on Monday, when he received the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Prince Adewole Adebayo, who paid him a courtesy visit in Sokoto.

The former governor expressed concern over what he described as growing political intolerance in the state, alleging that the state government had sealed the African Democratic Congress campaign office and that its governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, was attacked by personnel of the government-recognised security outfits.

While he specifically mentioned the Sokoto Marshal and Community Guards, he alleged that their actions were inconsistent with the state’s tradition of political tolerance.

Therefore, Tambuwal insisted that Sokoto should remain open to politicians and Nigerians across party lines, regardless of their political affiliations.

“Sokoto belongs to all Nigerians. It must remain a welcoming environment where people from different political backgrounds can freely come, interact and promote their ideas, particularly those relating to democracy and good governance,” he said.

He warned that restricting opposition activities and freedom of movement could undermine democratic participation, adding that the opposition would resist attempts to suppress political expression.

Adebayo, who explained that his visit was partly to congratulate the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the throne, also called on the state government to respect political diversity.

He described Sokoto as an important centre of Nigeria’s historical, intellectual, and political heritage, saying its significance extended beyond being the seat of the Caliphate.

“We are here in Sokoto to register our well wishes to the Sultan of Sokoto on attaining 20 years on the throne. We thought we should be here because Sokoto, as we know, is very integral to the history of Nigeria. We see Sokoto not just as a Caliphate but as a seat of intellect,” Adebayo said.

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The SDP presidential candidate maintained that no Nigerian should be prevented from visiting any part of the country or exercising political rights because of party affiliation.

He said Sokoto had historically accommodated politicians from different political backgrounds and should sustain the tradition.

Tambuwal also commended Adebayo for his decision to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming presidential election, describing his participation as a demonstration of commitment to national development.

Reflecting on his political journey, the senator recalled leaving the All Progressives Congress while serving as governor under former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying his decision was informed by his dissatisfaction with the country’s direction at the time.

He said his political decisions had always been guided by the desire to contribute to building a country that works for all Nigerians.

Tambuwal, meanwhile, pledged to work with Adebayo in the interest of national unity, irrespective of who emerges victorious in the presidential election.

“If you defeat my candidate and you are ready to work with us, we will join you. And if we defeat you because of these ideas that you have and your love for Nigeria, we will invite you into the government of national unity,” he said.

He added that Nigeria’s progress depended on cooperation, mutual respect and a shared commitment to democratic principles.

Our correspondent reports that Adebayo was accompanied by the SDP National Chairman, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe; the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Dr Usman Bugaje; and its Deputy National Chairman (South), Senator Ugochukwu Uba.