Tambuwal Discusses Alignment with APC for Seeking Forgiveness of Past Wrongs
Former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal Stands Firm Amidst EFCC Investigation
Aminu Tambuwal, the former Governor of Sokoto State and current Senator, found himself in the midst of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on August 11, 2025. The investigation centres around allegations of fraudulent cash withdrawals amounting to ₦189 billion during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
The EFCC's probe focuses on suspicious transactions involving unauthorized withdrawals made incrementally over six years from three government accounts: the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), Government House Account, and Secretary to the State Government Account.
Tambuwal arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 11:30 a.m. for questioning and was held in custody as the investigation continues. It is important to note that the allegation of his detention by the EFCC is not confirmed in the provided information.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party to which Tambuwal recently defected, has denounced the arrest as politically motivated. The party claims the EFCC is selectively targeting opposition politicians and reopening old cases without new evidence, labelling the probe as a form of harassment rather than a genuine anti-corruption effort.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale declined to comment on the case during the ongoing investigations. Tambuwal, who previously ran for president on the PDP ticket in 2023 before stepping down, remains a major political figure within the ADC.
Upon his return to Sokoto, Tambuwal addressed his supporters and emphasized that he cannot be intimidated or blackmailed. He maintains his innocence regarding the allegation of illegally withdrawing over ₦2 billion monthly from the Sokoto State Government account.
Tambuwal has chosen to stand firm in the political landscape of Nigeria, maintaining that the political landscape is sharply divided between those who support President Bola Tinubu and his government and those who represent the people of Nigeria. He questions the basis of the allegation, as he queries how much was available in the state coffers as a whole.
This ongoing investigation adds another layer to the political discourse in Nigeria, with Tambuwal's supporters standing by him and the opposition parties calling for a fair and transparent investigation. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have significant implications for Tambuwal's political future and the ongoing dynamics of Nigerian politics.
[1] NAN (2025). EFCC arrests former Sokoto Governor Tambuwal over alleged fraud. [online] Available at: https://www.nannews.ng/efcc-arrests-former-sokoto-governor-tambuwal-over-alleged-fraud/
[2] Premium Times (2025). ADC accuses EFCC of selective persecution in Tambuwal's case. [online] Available at: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/537450-adc-accuses-efcc-of-selective-persecution-in-tambuwals-case.html
[3] Vanguard (2025). EFCC grills former Sokoto Governor Tambuwal over alleged fraud. [online] Available at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/08/efcc-grills-former-sokoto-governor-tambuwal-over-alleged-fraud/
[4] The Cable (2025). EFCC's probe of Tambuwal politically motivated, says ADC. [online] Available at: https://www.thecable.ng/efcc-probes-tambuwal-politically-motivated-says-adc
[5] SaharaReporters (2025). EFCC arrests former Sokoto Governor Tambuwal over alleged fraud. [online] Available at: https://saharareporters.com/2025/08/11/efcc-arrests-former-sokoto-governor-tambuwal-over-alleged-fraud
- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) questioned the former Sokoto Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, in Abuja regarding allegations of fraudulent cash withdrawals totaling ₦189 billion during his term from 2015 to 2023.
- The African Democratic Congress (ADC) claimed the EFCC's investigation into Tambuwal, a major political figure within the party, was politically motivated, alleging selective targeting of opposition politicians.
- Despite the ongoing EFCC investigation on allegations of illegally withdrawing over ₦2 billion monthly from the Sokoto State Government account, Tambuwal denies any wrongdoing and maintains his innocence.
- The ongoing investigation of Tambuwal raises questions about the political landscape in Nigeria, with supporters standing by him and opposition parties calling for a fair and transparent investigation.
- News outlets like NAN, Premium Times, Vanguard, The Cable, and SaharaReporters have reported on the case, with the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, declining to comment during the ongoing investigations.
