Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal
Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has declared his support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike in any contest for Nigeria’s leadership, emphasizing that his decision is rooted in principles rather than personal ties.
Speaking on _Politics Today_ on Friday, Tambuwal clarified his stance on leadership choices.
“When it comes to leadership of this country and leadership of the people, tomorrow, not even today, I would rather support Atiku than Nyesom Wike,” Tambuwal stated, underscoring that his political decisions prioritize the nation’s welfare over personal relationships.
Tambuwal addressed past tensions, noting that in 2023, Wike criticized him, Atiku, and Bukola Saraki for allegedly breaching a PDP zoning agreement for the presidential candidacy.
Wike had claimed, “There’s nobody contesting for the presidency from the north that I do not have a relationship with… but if you ask some of my friends, the problem I have with friendship is that if we agree on something, let’s keep to it.”
Wike also mentioned supporting Tambuwal’s bid for Speaker of the House of Representatives despite the PDP’s alternative preference.
Clarifying his position, Tambuwal stressed that his political differences, including his support for Atiku in the 2023 PDP presidential race, are not personal.
“You have never seen me going against President Bola Tinubu personally, you have never heard of me going against Nyesom Wike personally,” he said, adding that his disagreements are based on principle.
Reflecting on past conflicts, he noted, “We disagreed on principle, the way, and the direction things are going. I had no problem personally with Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, but we disagreed, and I left PDP for APC.”
Tambuwal emphasized the distinction between friendship and leadership, stating, “It is not about my friendship with you… If Atiku Abubakar comes in here and Wike requests my phone, which is personal to me, I will personally give it to Wike as a personal friend.” He reiterated his commitment to maintaining cordial ties across party lines while prioritizing altruistic leadership for Nigeria’s future.
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