When Isa Sadiq Acida, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State, called out the opposition, it was a deliberate move aimed at countering what he described as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) campaign of misinformation. In a press conference titled “Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto: A Worthy Ambassador of the APC,” Acida achieved three objectives: showcasing the governor’s achievements, warning the opposition against unsubstantiated allegations, and signaling the APC’s readiness for the 2027 elections.
The APC’s swift response to fresh allegations by PDP Chairman Alhaji Bello Aliyu Goronyo delivered more than a rebuttal—it highlighted Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s record. In less than two years, Governor Sokoto has completed projects that, according to the APC, his predecessor Aminu Tambuwal could not finish in eight years.
Since losing the 2023 governorship race to Governor Sokoto, the PDP has waged an aggressive opposition campaign. Yet, Governor Sokoto has largely avoided direct confrontation. However, with 2027 approaching, the APC is taking a more assertive stance, countering allegations with detailed evidence of achievements.
Acida challenged the PDP to explain how they managed state resources during their tenure instead of rushing to the press with unverified claims. Highlighting Governor Sokoto’s achievements, Acida pointed to completed projects, consistent salary and pension payments, and the liquidation of debts inherited from the previous administration—all achieved without fresh loans.
Governor Sokoto has reportedly completed major abandoned projects, including housing estates, an independent power project, a 40-million-litres-per-day water project, and the Rijiya flyover bridge. In contrast to the previous administration, which allegedly sold off government houses without accountability, Governor Sokoto has built 1,136 new homes across different local councils.
Road construction has also been a priority. Nearly 48 roads are under construction across the state, with major works in local councils like Tambuwal, Shagari, Yabo, Bodinga, Dange Shuni, Wamakko, Kware, Rabah, Tangaza, Binji, and Illela. Significant road projects such as the Tangaza-Balle road, Illela-Gada road, and the Sokoto segment of the Sokoto-Gummi federal road are either completed or underway.
In response to PDP’s accusations of resource mismanagement, the APC questioned how a government accused of squandering could fund such extensive developments without bank loans. Governor Sokoto’s administration, they noted, restored water supply to Sokoto metropolis, cleared refuse, paid salaries on time, and reduced pension arrears—all within his first 100 days.
The APC also accused Tambuwal of leaving liabilities of over N14 billion and compromising state assets due to questionable loans. Governor Sokoto, they said, has drastically reduced these liabilities without new debts.
In security, Governor Sokoto has supported federal efforts by equipping local security agencies, launching the Community Guards Corps, providing patrol vehicles, motorcycles, and operational offices across 13 councils. These initiatives, according to the APC, have improved security in the Eastern Senatorial District and beyond.
In education, the governor has consistently surpassed UNESCO’s recommended budgetary allocation. His government has renovated schools, constructed new classrooms, launched scholarship schemes, and driven down the number of out-of-school children. In agriculture, massive investments in fertilizers, seedlings, and equipment aim to boost food production and rural incomes.
The APC believes the PDP’s continuous accusations are a reaction to their electoral defeat and the growing popularity of Governor Sokoto’s administration. They argue that while the opposition clings to unfounded criticisms, the facts on the ground tell a different story.
