Former Sokoto State governor and senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has pledged to resist what he calls intimidation and blackmail, following his release on bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The EFCC interrogated and detained Tambuwal for a night over an alleged N189bn fraud before releasing him on administrative bail.
Tambuwal, who returned to Sokoto on Thursday to a hero’s welcome from thousands of supporters and while addressing the jubilant crowd at his residence, he pledged to continue the fight for “equitable and democratic governance” in the state.
“I cannot be intimidated or blackmailed. I believe I shall be vindicated, and victory shall be ours,” he declared, drawing loud chants of solidarity from his supporters.
The EFCC stated that it was investigating Tambuwal over the alleged misappropriation of N189bn during his tenure as governor.
However, the opposition African Democratic Congress described the timing of the probe as a political witch-hunt aimed at weakening opposition forces ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Sharing his encounter with the EFCC, Tambuwal said he honoured the agency’s invitation on August 6 but was refused release on personal recognition, despite his record as a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term governor, and serving senator.
“They insisted I must provide two top civil servants as sureties. My request was turned down. Despite being accompanied by three Senior Advocates of Nigeria, I was remanded in Cell N23,” he said.
The former governor accused the Sokoto State government of orchestrating a “Kangaroo investigative committee” against him, stressing that no competent authority had found him guilty of any wrongdoing.
Tambuwal’s defiance comes amid rising political tensions in Sokoto, where he has become a rallying figure for opposition forces gearing up for future political battles.
