Former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of suspicious withdrawals running into billions of naira during his tenure. The arrest has stirred political reactions, especially among opposition circles.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, said Tambuwal’s detention was connected to his membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has recently been attracting high-profile politicians. “The only reason the @officialEFCC has detained the former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, @AWTambuwal, is because he is a member of the opposition coalition,” Atiku wrote.
The ADC, established in 2005, has in recent months emerged as a rallying point for several influential politicians. Its growing profile in 2025 has attracted big names such as former Senate President David Mark, who serves as interim chairman, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, now the party’s secretary. Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Atiku are also prominent members, with speculations that Labour Party’s Peter Obi may join the coalition.
While critics argue that the EFCC may be targeting opposition figures, the commission maintains that its operations are guided by its mandate to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. Officials say investigations into the allegations against Tambuwal are ongoing, but no formal charges have yet been announced.