The former Sokoto Governor and House Speaker says the PDP's internal collapse left him no choice — and that Nigeria deserves better.

Former Sokoto Governor and ex-House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party and defected to the African Democratic Congress, delivering one of the most significant blows to Nigeria's main opposition party in recent months.

Tambuwal, who served two terms as Sokoto governor and previously presided over the House of Representatives as Speaker, announced his departure in a statement posted on X in the early hours of Thursday. He said he had already submitted a written resignation to his ward chairman before making the move public.

"The persistent internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and growing divisions within the PDP have made it increasingly difficult to continue my membership," Tambuwal said. “These developments have unfortunately weakened the unity and direction that once defined the party.”

He joins the ADC alongside associates and supporters, citing the platform's alignment with his vision for national development built on integrity, accountability, and inclusiveness.

The defection strips the PDP of one of its most recognisable figures in northwest Nigeria at a time when the party is already battling deep factional tensions and dwindling electoral relevance. Tambuwal had previously been among those calling for internal reforms within the party.

His exit raises fresh questions about the PDP's ability to hold together its remaining heavyweights ahead of the 2027 general elections — and hands the ADC a credibility boost it will be eager to leverage.