Former Sokoto State governor and current senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has vowed not to be silenced by what he described as intimidation and blackmail, following his release on bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Tambuwal was detained overnight by the EFCC over allegations of misappropriating N189 billion during his tenure as governor and was later granted administrative bail.
Returning to Sokoto on Thursday to a hero’s welcome from thousands of supporters, he pledged to continue championing “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, as supporters chanted in solidarity.
The EFCC confirmed its probe into the alleged fraud, while the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) dismissed the investigation as a political witch-hunt aimed at weakening opposition forces ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Recounting his experience, Tambuwal said he honoured the EFCC’s invitation on August 6 but was denied release on personal recognition despite his credentials 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.
He also accused the Sokoto State government of setting up a “Kangaroo investigative committee” against him, adding that no competent authority had found him guilty of wrongdoing.
Tambuwal’s defiance comes amid rising political tension in Sokoto, where he has emerged as a rallying figure for the opposition ahead of future political contests.
