Why linking Otti’s visit to Nnamdi Kanu to Gov Ahmed Aliyu is a mere political propaganda
By Lawal Jet Kaugama
The recent press release issued by Abubakar Bawa, Director General, Media and Publicity to the Governor of Sokoto State, offers not only a clarification of events but also an important window into the political propaganda machine that often dominates Nigeria’s public discourse. The claim circulated by some national newspapers that Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State accompanied Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to visit Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Custodial Centre, is not only false, but emblematic of the reckless misinformation being weaponised by political traducers.
At a time when governance requires sobriety, focus, and stability, such fabrications threaten to distract leaders and mislead citizens. The clarification that Governor Aliyu was in Saudi Arabia performing the Lesser Hajj as from 30 November 2025 makes the baselessness of the report all the more glaring. Yet, the intention behind this falsehood is far deeper than a mere factual error; it reflects a calculated attempt by political actors to sow disaffection, provoke ethnic sentiments, and diminish the credibility of a sitting governor.
One must ask: What do the peddlers of this misinformation stand to gain? At the heart of this propaganda is the attempt to portray Governor Aliyu as someone fraternising with a highly sensitive national security matter. By falsely linking him to the Abia Governor’s private visit to Nnamdi Kanu, traducers hoped to paint a picture of political alignment where none exists, and in the process, provoke both suspicion and baccklash among stakeholders across the North-West. It is a classic strategy: create a controversy, force the targeted individual into a defensive position, and then capitalise on public confusion.
But this time, the propaganda failed.
The press release from Abubakar Bawa was timely, firm, and factual. It did not rely on emotional appeals, nor did it attack personalities. Instead, it simply laid out the truth: Governor Aliyu was not in the country; he neither invited nor accompanied Governor Otti; and as a matter of long-standing protocol, Sokoto State officials only extended the routine courtesy accorded to any visiting governor. In an era where many spokespersons respond to rumours with counter-accusations and vitriol, this professional and measured clarification stands out.
The intention of the traducers appears two-fold. Firstly, they aim to exploit Nigeria’s volatile political climate, where issues relating to Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB easily inflame public emotions. Knowing this, they attempted to drag Governor Aliyu into a needless controversy in hopes of creating regional friction or questioning his loyalty to national unity. Secondly, the propaganda seeks to undermine his administration’s growing reputation for stability and focus. By injecting him into an issue completely unrelated to his governance agenda, his detractors hope to derail his attention or reduce public trust.
However, Sokoto State’s response to this fabrication reveals something crucial: the state government will not be distracted from its developmental goals. The press release reaffirms Governor Aliyu’s commitment to peace, lawfulness, and respect for constituted authority. These are not mere slogans—they are essential qualities for leadership in a region confronting developmental challenges, security concerns, and the expectations of millions of citizens.
Moreover, the statement highlights the hospitality of the Sokoto people, a cultural value that has long defined the state’s identity. By emphasising that visiting leaders—regardless of tribe or religion—are welcomed and treated with dignity, the government demonstrates maturity and consistency. This further dismantles the propaganda, because it shows that what the traducers framed as ‘suspicious collaboration’ was nothing more than the normal practice of inter-state courtesy.
Political propaganda thrives where clarification is weak. In this case, Abubakar Bawa’s intervention ensures that citizens are not left to the mercy of malicious narratives. It also sends a message to mischief-makers: that the government is alert, responsive, and unwilling to allow misinformation to define its public image.
But beyond the immediate event, this incident exposes a broader problem: the weaponisation of media platforms by political actors. The ease with which falsehoods spread calls for greater responsibility in reportage and stronger commitment to verification among journalists. Democracy suffers when media platforms become vehicles for political sabotage rather than instruments for public enlightenment.
In all, the false claim about Governor Aliyu’s involvement in Dr. Otti’s visit to Nnamdi Kanu is not an innocent mistake, it is a calculated political tactic. Thankfully, the swift and clear clarification by Abubakar Bawa has neutralised the propaganda and reaffirmed the Governor’s integrity.
As Sokoto State continues on its path of progress and stability, it is crucial that citizens remain vigilant and resist the manipulation of political actors who exploit misinformation for personal gain.
Lawal Jet Kaugama, a commentator on national issues, writes from Kano