Sokoto State’s All Progressives Congress (APC) is embroiled in a severe internal crisis, which has split the party into two rival factions led by influential figures: Senator Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto North) and Senator Ibrahim Lamido (Sokoto Central).
The rift, marked by allegations of corruption and mismanagement, has sparked an intense power struggle over party control and state resources.
Former governor Senator Wamakko, long seen as Sokoto’s APC leader and mentor to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, now faces a formidable challenge from the Lamido faction.
According to Weekend Trust, sources revealed this battle extends beyond political rivalry to a struggle over Sokoto’s resources and governance.
“This crisis is no longer just about politics; it’s about who controls Sokoto’s resources. Senator Wamakko has had the upper hand for years, but Senator Lamido believes it’s time for a change,” a source revealed.
The Lamido faction, frustrated with what it perceives as Governor Aliyu and Wamakko’s undue influence, is prepared to form a parallel party structure. Sani Yakubu Gudu, a Lamido ally and representative for Gudu/Tangaza, emphasised their determination:
“We must protect the interests of the people who elected us. We cannot sit back and let the names of Governor Aliyu and Wamakko ruin the APC’s integrity.”
Growing Support for Lamido’s Faction
Lamido’s faction has attracted support across diverse sectors, from traditional rulers to politicians within Governor Aliyu’s administration, and even opposition party members from the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP.
According to Gudu, growing concerns over governance, insecurity, and corruption drive this support. He cited Governor Aliyu’s recent contract for borehole repairs as an example of questionable spending.
“N1.2 billion for repairing 25 boreholes? Spending N48 million on a single borehole is absurd. This is daylight robbery,” Gudu argued.
Moreover, Gudu accused Governor Aliyu of neglecting urgent needs in Sokoto, choosing cosmetic beautification projects over essential services.
“The Sokoto State government has received billions from the federal government, but where is the impact on the ground? Our people need projects that will improve their lives, not just superficial changes to the city,” he said.
He also pointed to the governor’s dismissal of traditional rulers for political reasons and a perceived failure to combat banditry in affected areas, raising concerns about the administration’s priorities.
APC Leadership Dismisses Claims
Alhaji Isa Sadiq Achida, Chairman of Sokoto’s APC, rebuffed these accusations as “the desperate actions of political losers,” dismissing the claims as attempts by out-of-favour politicians to stir up confusion. “They have lost relevance in Sokoto politics and want to create division, but they will not succeed,” Achida asserted.
Achida also threatened legal action against those spreading corruption allegations, demanding evidence.
“They will have to defend these claims in court. Senator Wamakko has never handled any government contract in his life,” he said, vouching for Wamakko’s integrity.
Responding to criticism of the governor’s beautification projects, Achida argued that they were overdue improvements addressing long-standing neglect.
“People have complained for years about the condition of Sokoto’s capital. Now that changes are being made, these politicians still complain,” he stated.
He highlighted recent projects such as a 300-trailer fertiliser distribution and the N13 billion Wurno irrigation scheme as significant strides by the current administration to uplift Sokoto.
While the Sokoto APC leadership insists the party remains unified, Lamido’s faction continues to call for reforms to counter perceived mismanagement and corruption.
As tensions deepen, the party’s future and the stability of Sokoto’s political landscape remain uncertain, with both sides preparing to stand their ground in this escalating power struggle.
