Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has said his decision to withdraw from the 2027 Sokoto South Senatorial race was to promote unity within the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and create opportunities for younger politicians within the party.

Tambuwal, regarded as the leader of the ADC in Sokoto State, stepped down from the senatorial contest and handed the party’s ticket to former Commissioner for Finance, Faruk Malami-Yabo, after consultations and disagreements over candidate selection ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by party members, community leaders, youths and political associates, Tambuwal described Malami-Yabo as “a committed, capable, and visionary leader” with the competence to strengthen democratic values and provide purposeful leadership.

According to him, “The time has come for experienced leaders to deliberately create room for emerging voices and fresh ideas in the nation’s political space.

“Leadership is not about personal ambition alone; it is about continuity, service, and preparing others to carry the torch.”

Tambuwal said he remained confident in Malami-Yabo’s ability to unite the people and advance development in the state.

He clarified that stepping away from the senatorial race should not be interpreted as retirement from politics, but rather a strategic transition toward mentorship and nation-building efforts focused on empowering younger Nigerians.

Responding to the endorsement, Malami-Yabo thanked Tambuwal for the confidence reposed in him, describing the former governor as “a political mentor, bridge-builder, and symbol of selfless leadership.”

He pledged to uphold the values of accountability, inclusiveness and people-oriented governance.

Political observers described the development as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections in Sokoto State while promoting leadership succession and party unity.

Confirming the development, the Sokoto State Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Lamir Aminu, said Tambuwal sacrificed his ambition in the interest of peace and stability within the party.

“Tambuwal decided to relinquish the ticket to promote harmony and strengthen internal democracy in the party,” he said.

Aminu added that the ADC in Sokoto State was committed to giving younger politicians opportunities to contest elective positions, noting that several House of Representatives tickets had also been handed to youthful candidates.