Opposition Senators have expressed their opposition to Atiku Abubakar’s attempt to impose Aminu Tambuwal as the Senate Minority Leader, citing Tambuwal’s history of betrayal and self-interest, vowing to vote for an alternative candidate.
Senators from minority parties are taking a stand against the Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and his endorsement of former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal as the Senate Minority Leader. These agitated senators refuse to accept Tambuwal’s imposition, drawing parallels to their previous resistance against Godswill Akpabio’s appointment by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Tinubu. A significant number of opposition Senators supported Senator Abdullazeez Yari during the contest for the top position in the Senate.
Opposition Senators’ Concerns
A PDP senator from Rivers State, along with a senator from the North and a ranking senator from the South West, have expressed their opposition to Tambuwal’s candidacy as Senate Minority Leader. Due to the sensitivity of the matter, they chose to remain anonymous while stating their readiness to support any alternative candidate. Their primary concern lies in Tambuwal’s track record of sacrificing his political allies for personal gain, casting doubt on his ability to provide effective leadership as the minority leader.
Resolute Stance
The group of Senators has unanimously resolved to vote for a different ranking Senator rather than the former Sokoto State Governor. They argue that Tambuwal’s actions against the PDP in the past indicate that he may use his position as minority leader to negotiate and seek reconciliation with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, whom he allegedly betrayed after being appointed Speaker of the House of Representatives.
History Of Betrayal
These Senators are critical of Tambuwal’s political activities over the past decade. They question his trustworthiness, citing instances of treachery and betrayal towards Jonathan, Wike, Tinubu, and others. In 2019, Tambuwal defied the PDP and the incumbent President to disregard the party’s zoning arrangements, favoring his personal interests. He often employs ethnic and religious sentiments to his advantage. When Tambuwal became Speaker with the support of opposition elements, including Tinubu and Buhari, he exploited his position to undermine President Jonathan’s administration and the PDP. He subsequently defected to the APC, becoming governor after negotiating with Buhari, Tinubu, and Wamako. However, Tambuwal’s presidential aspirations within the APC remained unfulfilled, leading to his betrayal of Wamako, Tinubu, and Buhari. He realigned with Atiku and returned to the PDP, hoping to secure the party’s presidential ticket.
Contentious Senate Election
Tambuwal’s senatorial election in Sokoto is currently being contested, as he was eager to enter the Senate with the expectation of being rewarded with the position of Senate President. However, due to the PDP’s failure to secure a majority and the defeat of Atiku and Okowa, the plans changed. As a compensation, Atiku and the PDP sought to appoint him as the minority leader. Opposition Senators are rejecting this proposal, highlighting Tambuwal’s history of treachery, betrayal, and prioritizing personal ambition over party loyalty and friendship.
Alternative Candidate
In light of the opposition to Tambuwal, Governor Wike and his supporters are rallying behind a senator from the north central as an alternative candidate for the position of Senate Minority Leader.
