Tambuwal Joins Senatorial Race After ‘Gifting’ Atiku PDP Presidential Ticket

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has commenced moves to emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Sokoto South following the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.

Tambuwal, who was instrumental to the emergence of Atiku as the PDP candidate, had shockingly withdrawn and backed the presidential ambition of the former Vice President.

Recall that Atiku defeated Nyesom Wike who was his closet rival at the presidential primary of the main opposition party on Saturday night.

Atiku gathered votes of 371 delegates while Wike, polled 237 votes.

Tambuwal, whose second term as governor ends next year, has concluded plans to replace Aminu Bodinga (who was elected unopposed), as the party’s candidate during the national assembly election representing Sokoto South.

Sources close to the Sokoto State government told Premium Times that Tambuwal asked Bodinga, a former commissioner, to stand as a proxy for him.

“Wasn’t it surprising that only Aminu Bala Bodinga contested for the seat? All the other aspirants refused to buy the form when they learnt that His Excellency had a plan B,” a chieftain of the PDP from Shagari Local Government said.

He said Tambuwal co-opted the former commissioner to help execute his plan because Bodinga is one of his staunchest loyalists, adding that cabinet members are aware of the plan.

“They’re close friends and I can tell you no one knows the depth of their friendship,” he said.

He disclosed that Bodinga will notify the PDP of his plans to step down, which will pave the way for Tambuwal to replace him.

When contacted by Premium Times to comment on the issue, governor Tambuwal’s spokesperson, Muhammadu Bello, said he was not aware of the arrangement.