Gov Ahmed Aliyu: Leadership that unites the people
By Lawal Jet Kaugama
Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s gadministration in Sokoto State is increasingly being described by political stakeholders and residents as one of the most impactful governments in the state’s recent history.
Since assuming office under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Aliyu has pursued a leadership style centred on infrastructure renewal, education, healthcare, social welfare and grassroots political inclusion; these are policies many supporters say align closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Across Sokoto State, the governor’s developmental strides have continued to attract political support, leading to a growing wave of defections from opposition parties into the APC. Party leaders and stakeholders argue that many politicians and ordinary citizens are joining the APC because they see Governor Aliyu as a leader with a clear vision for governance, stability and economic growth.
One of the defining features of Governor Aliyu’s administration has been his commitment to people-oriented governance. Under his widely publicised 9-Point Smart Agenda, the administration has invested heavily in road construction, urban renewal, healthcare facilities, education support and security interventions aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
The governor’s ₦758.7 billion “Budget of Socio-Economic Expansion” was specifically designed to accelerate development and expand opportunities for youths and vulnerable communities across Sokoto State.
Supporters believe these achievements have strengthened public confidence in the APC-led government at both state and federal levels. Political observers note that many defectors see the APC as a more organised platform capable of delivering long-term development, especially with Governor Aliyu working in harmony with President Tinubu’s administration.
The alignment between Sokoto State and the Federal Government is viewed by many APC faithful as a major advantage in attracting federal projects and investment opportunities into the state.
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The recent defection of former four-term House of Representatives member, Kabiru Marafan Achida, alongside his supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC, further highlighted the growing political momentum around Governor Aliyu’s leadership. During the event, APC leaders openly declared that the increasing wave of defections reflected public confidence in the governor’s performance and the direction of the party in Sokoto State.
Governor Aliyu has also consistently emphasised unity and internal democracy within the APC. In several meetings with party executives and grassroots leaders, he urged members to work together peacefully and strengthen party structures ahead of future elections. His administration has supported digital membership registration and political mobilisation efforts designed to expand participation within the party.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held in Sokoto, the governor called for reconciliation, inclusiveness and sustained leadership style, describing him as accessible, focused and committed to strengthening grassroots governance.
Many APC supporters argue that Governor Aliyu’s governance philosophy mirrors President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, economic expansion, education reform and social intervention programmes.
APC leaders in Sokoto have repeatedly stated that both leaders share a common vision of rebuilding public trust in governance through practical projects and inclusive leadership.
The governor’s supporters also point to his emphasis on integrity, accountability and teamwork within the APC structure. Addressing newly elected APC executives, Governor Aliyu urged them to conduct themselves with integrity and remain committed to strengthening the party across all local government areas.
He repeatedly described the Sokoto APC as “one indivisible family” under his inclusive leadership style
While political debates continue nationwide regarding defections into the APC, supporters of Governor Aliyu insist that the movement in Sokoto is driven largely by confidence in his developmental agenda and his close working relationship with the Tinubu administration. They argue that people are naturally drawn to leadership that demonstrates commitment, continuity and visible results.
As preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 political cycle, Governor Aliyu’s camp believes the combination of his state-level achievements and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda will continue to strengthen the APC’s popularity across Sokoto State and beyond.