Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has visited former Sokoto State governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, following his release from detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The visit took place on Monday at Tambuwal’s residence in Abuja, just days after the former governor regained his freedom from EFCC custody. Tambuwal, who also served as Speaker of the House of Representatives, was invited by the anti-graft agency over alleged financial mismanagement during his time as governor of Sokoto State.
The EFCC has not yet disclosed the full details of the investigation, but sources say it involves alleged irregularities in government spending and contract awards. Tambuwal reportedly spent some time in EFCC custody where he was questioned before being released.
Atiku, in a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, said he was relieved to see Tambuwal in strong spirit despite the ordeal.
“I visited Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal at his residence in Abuja earlier today. I am happy seeing him in good, unbroken, and unwavering spirit,” Atiku wrote.
The former Vice President’s visit has been seen by many as a show of solidarity at a time when Tambuwal is facing increasing pressure over his past tenure.
Tambuwal’s arrest by the EFCC has sparked mixed reactions across the country, with some supporters of the opposition accusing the ruling party of using anti-corruption agencies to target political opponents.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other groups have described the arrest as “politically motivated”, pointing to the timing and the lack of clear information from the EFCC.
A statement by a PDP youth leader in Sokoto, Musa Balarabe, also condemned the detention, saying, “Tambuwal has served Nigeria at the highest levels, and his record speaks for itself. This is clearly an attempt to silence him ahead of 2027.”
Senator Aminu Tambuwal is seen as one of the influential figures within the opposition. He played a major role in the build-up to the 2023 presidential elections, where he stepped down for Atiku Abubakar during the PDP primaries.
Tambuwal is also believed to be eyeing a bigger political role ahead of the 2027 general elections, making his current challenges more politically sensitive.
He has not yet made any public comments since his release, but sources close to him say he maintains his innocence and is ready to cooperate with investigators to clear his name.
Tambuwal served as governor of Sokoto State for two terms from 2015 to 2023, after earlier serving as Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015. He remains a strong political figure in the North-West region and has remained loyal to the PDP even during times of internal party crisis.
His relationship with Atiku is also well-documented, with both men often aligning on major political decisions within the party.