75 Relatives of Sokoto Governor Join ADC, Declare Support for Dan’iya
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
Seventy five people who identified themselves as blood relatives of Sokoto State Governor Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, have defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The group also declared their support for the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State for the 2027 election, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya.
They said their decision was driven by their desire for a new political direction and leadership that would better represent their interests and address their concerns.
In a statement signed by Dan’iya’s Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the ADC governorship candidate expressed his appreciation for the decision by the group, describing their support as an honour.
The group was led by Alhaji Habibu Muhammad, whom they identified as the younger brother of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s late father, alongside Hajiya Sa’adatu Muhammad, whom they described as the governor’s aunt.
Dan’iya thanked the 75 new ADC members for the confidence they had reposed in him and welcomed them into the party.
The defectors told Dan’iya that despite their close relationship with the governor, they felt neglected and believed their concerns had not received adequate attention.
They said their decision to support an opposition candidate was motivated by their desire for leadership that would listen to their concerns, protect their interests and improve the living conditions of the people of the state.
Responding, Dan’iya said leadership should not be about excluding certain people or concentrating opportunities in the hands of a few individuals.
He said his vision was to establish an open and inclusive government that would listen to the people and demonstrate compassion and concern for their welfare.
Dan’iya assured the new members that they would be welcomed without discrimination and that their decision to join the ADC would be respected.
The ADC candidate said the development further demonstrated that political choices in Sokoto were increasingly being shaped by what people expected from leadership, particularly in the areas of welfare, security and development.
He urged the new members to remain peaceful and respect differing political views, assuring them that the ADC campaign would continue to focus on issues affecting the people of Sokoto State.
Dan’iya expressed his profound appreciation to Alhaji Habibu Muhammad, Hajiya Sa’adatu Muhammad and the other 75 members for their support, saying he regarded their confidence as a significant responsibility rather than merely political backing.
He reiterated his commitment to building an inclusive Sokoto State through improved security, education, healthcare, job creation, access to potable water, agricultural development, youth empowerment and accountable governance.
