Crisis over Sokoto ADC guber ticket deepens

Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State are anxiously awaiting the outcome of ongoing consultations among party leaders and stakeholders over the selection of the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the forthcoming election. The meetings, which began about five days ago, are yet to produce an official announcement, a development that has […]

Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State are anxiously awaiting the outcome of ongoing consultations among party leaders and stakeholders over the selection of the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the forthcoming election.

The meetings, which began about five days ago, are yet to produce an official announcement, a development that has reportedly created tension and uncertainty among supporters across the state.

Amid the delay, supporters of some aspirants have taken to social media claiming that their preferred candidates have already secured the party’s ticket.

 The situation prompted the party’s publicity secretary, Lamir Amin to caution members against spreading unverified information and engaging in attacks on senior party figures.

A reliable source within the party told Daily Trust that a consensus had already been reached on the candidate to fly the party’s flag, but that the official declaration was being delayed due to ongoing consultations.

“You know we are an opposition party, so we have to be careful in choosing our candidates. That is why stakeholders from all the 23 local government areas were invited to participate in the process,” the source said.

“I can confirm to you that a decision has already been reached, but our leader, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, is still consulting respected Islamic clerics, businessmen and influential personalities to ensure that the choice is acceptable to everyone,” the source added while requesting anonymity.

Another source disclosed that the party had resolved to pick its governorship candidate from Sokoto East Senatorial District, a zone that has not produced a governor since former governor, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa left office 19 years ago.

 

Findings by Daily Trust revealed that four prominent politicians from the zone are currently in the race for the ADC ticket.

 

 

 

They are: Senator Ibrahim Lamido; member representing Gada-Goronyo Federal Constituency, Bashir Gorau; former Minister of Transport, Hon. Yusuf Sulaiman; and former lawmaker representing Gwadabawa-Illela Federal Constituency, Abdullahi Salame.

 

Other aspirants seeking the party’s ticket from the remaining senatorial zones include former Deputy Governor of the state, Manir Dan’iya, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Sa’idu Umar Ubandoma, both from Sokoto Central Senatorial District. 

 

Also in the race is Ambassador Faruk Malami Yabo from Sokoto South Senatorial District.

 

The source further hinted that the party may officially announce its position, including candidates for other elective offices, later on Wednesday.

 

However, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lamir Amin, dismissed reports suggesting that a final decision has not been reached.

 

“All these are mere speculations. We are still consulting and no final decision has been taken yet,” he said, expressing optimism that party stakeholders would soon arrive at a consensus.