Former Sokoto State governor and senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has said he is open to the involvement of the international community in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections if it would help guarantee credibility and fairness.
Tambuwal made the remark on Monday during an interview on Arise Television, where he recalled the role international engagement played in the 2015 general election that led to the defeat of then President Goodluck Jonathan by the opposition All Progressives Congress.
A prominent figure in the opposition coalition aligned with the African Democratic Congress, Tambuwal noted that diplomatic attention and global scrutiny helped shape the 2015 polls.
At the time, he was a member of the APC but has since returned to the Peoples Democratic Party while supporting the coalition-backed ADC.
“From our recent history, the intervention of the international community shaped the 2015 election, which the APC benefited from. I therefore expect similar engagement ahead of 2027,” he said when asked if he would support diplomatic pressure to ensure credible elections.
He, however, stressed that foreign involvement was not the sole solution to Nigeria’s electoral challenges but remained one of several mechanisms that could help strengthen the process.
“It’s not the only way, but it is one of the ways,” Tambuwal said.
Clarifying his position, the senator said he was not referring to any specific country but to collective action by democratic nations and global institutions.
“I’m not particular about the United States. I’m talking about democratic countries and the international community ensuring, without direct interference, that elections are free, fair and credible,” he explained.
Tambuwal also spoke on security cooperation between Nigeria and foreign partners, referencing reports of a US military intervention in Nigeria in December.
He expressed hope that such incidents would not be repeated, calling instead for a clear and transparent framework to guide bilateral security engagements.
According to him, statements by the US government and the reported missile strike appeared to have influenced the posture of the current administration, prompting a more decisive approach to governance and security.
“I think those developments had some effect on the government. They were forced to reassess the situation, and you could see some positive impact in how the administration is now thinking,” he said.
Asked whether he would support similar actions in the future, Tambuwal said he would not welcome further military attacks, preferring diplomatic and political engagement based on mutual understanding.
“I would not want to see more attacks. What we need is a clearer and well-defined framework between the Nigerian government and the US government,” he said.
He also criticised the absence of legislative oversight in such security arrangements, noting that lawmakers were not briefed on the reported interventions.
“As a senator, these issues were not tabled before us. We don’t know how some of these decisions were reached, and at this level, we should be informed,” he said.
Tambuwal added that any security cooperation involving Nigeria and foreign partners should be explicit, transparent and properly outlined, stressing that assistance should not be limited to the United States alone.
“Any country willing to help Nigeria tackle its security challenges should be welcomed,” he said.
