The Sokoto State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) faces a significant internal crisis, marked by a fierce power struggle between two key figures, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Senator Ibrahim Lamido. Despite the APC’s triumph over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last elections, including securing the governorship and most legislative seats, internal strife threatens to tear the party apart.
The dispute has divided the APC into two rival factions. One is led by Wamakko, a former governor of the state and widely considered a major political leader in Sokoto. The other is spearheaded by Lamido, who has garnered support from party stakeholders and National Assembly members in a bid to reduce Wamakko’s influence.
Speaking about the crisis, Sani Yakubu Gudu, a member representing the Gudu/Tangaza Federal Constituency and a supporter of Lamido, emphasized the need for change.
“We’ve made efforts to persuade both politicians to correct their mistakes, but they have refused. We cannot stand by and allow them to tarnish our reputation. The people elected us, and we must defend their interests at all costs,” he said.
The underlying tensions revolve around allegations of corruption, poor governance, and dissatisfaction with the leadership style of Wamakko, who is perceived as having a dominant role in the party’s affairs. Some party members feel that Wamakko’s influence has led to internal problems and negative public perception of the APC.
Mannir Shettima, a close ally of Lamido, described the issue as a struggle for fairness and democratic norms.
“No one doubted the political relevance of Senator Wamakko, but he should allow others to breathe. What we discovered in him was his domineering tendencies. He always wanted others to take directives from him and do things his way, not minding the feelings of others,” Shettima stated.
Shettima further criticized the current administration, led by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who is seen as a Wamakko protégé. He cited the award of a contract to repair 25 boreholes for N1.2 billion and the unjust removal of traditional rulers as examples of poor governance.
“Senator Lamido is not alone on this rescue mission. Traditional rulers, government officials, and even some commissioners are backing this effort to restore transparency and accountability,” he added.
As a testament to the growing support for Lamido, Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad Bawa, the district head of Sabon Birni, resigned from his position to join Lamido’s faction.
In a letter dated October 16, 2024, Bawa stated, “I resigned my position to join the political wagon of Senator Ibrahim Lamido.”
However, supporters of Wamakko reject claims that the party is in crisis. Abdullahi Tangaza, a loyalist of Wamakko, dismissed the grievances of Lamido’s faction as mere attempts to challenge Wamakko’s leadership.
“Was it not under Wamakko that APC bounced back to win an election against a ruling party? We know where this is coming from, and it will quickly be nipped in the bud,” Tangaza argued.
The state APC chairman, Alhaji Isa Sadiq Achida, also downplayed the conflict, insisting that the party remains united.
“APC is intact in Sokoto. We don’t have any crisis and will not tolerate any group trying to create one. This irrelevant distraction is coming from starters in Sokoto politics. They are trying to create confusion, but they will not succeed,” he stated.
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Meanwhile, the opposition PDP in Sokoto has been watching the turmoil with interest.
The party’s publicity secretary, Hassan Sahabi, said, “We saw this coming.”
He added, “The accusations of maladministration within the APC only reinforce our claims of corruption and mismanagement by Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration.”
Sahabi challenged the APC-led government to provide evidence of the N1.2 billion contract for repairing boreholes, including contract details and cost breakdowns.
“We await their response,” he said, indicating the PDP’s readiness to capitalize on the APC’s troubles.