RismadarVoice Reporters
January 25, 2026
A former federal lawmaker, Senator Abubakar Gada, on Saturday formally declared his intention to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general election, ending weeks of speculation over his political future.
Gada announced his decision at a gathering of supporters in Sokoto, saying the move was aimed at “reclaiming and rebuilding” the PDP in the state.
He blamed what he described as leadership stagnation on former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, whom he accused of failing to show commitment to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) months after both politicians signalled interest in the party.
Gada, who represented Sokoto East Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011 on the platform of the PDP, defected to the ADC in 2025, said he and Tambuwal were initially regarded as joint leaders of the ADC in Sokoto.
“My humble self and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal were considered the leaders to drive the party in the state,” Gada said.
“But leadership comes with responsibility. It means identifying with the people, showing commitment, taking responsibility. For six months, we raised the hope, tempo of the party, but he refused to come – sit with us to build it.”
According to Gada, Tambuwal’s alleged non-participation in ADC activities created uncertainty about his political direction and weakened the party’s structure in the state.
“You cannot be talking to APC on one hand, being promoted as a vice-presidential option for Peter Obi on the other hand, and still refuse to register or allow your followership to register in ADC,” he alleged.
“This level of contradiction is not partnership for progress.”
He argued that the situation left the ADC “in limbo” in Sokoto, forcing him and his supporters to return to the PDP.
Gada further criticised what he described as political “ingratitude,” referencing Tambuwal’s rise from Speaker of the House of Representatives to a two-term governor of Sokoto State.
He maintained that his return to the PDP was motivated by the need to strengthen opposition politics in the state, prepare the party for future electoral contests.
As of the time of filing this report, Tambuwal had not responded to the allegations.
