Sokoto Gov under fire for apologizing to Wamakko days after

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has sparked reactions following his public apology to residents and his gesture of kneeling before former governor and APC leader, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko. Our correspondent reports that during the party’s governorship affirmation for the 2027 election which held at the APC state secretariat during his affirmation as the sole gubernatorial […]

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has sparked reactions following his public apology to residents and his gesture of kneeling before former governor and APC leader, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.
Our correspondent reports that during the party’s governorship affirmation for the 2027 election which held at the APC state secretariat during his affirmation as the sole gubernatorial candidate of the party on Thursday, the governor sought for forgiveness saying he did not deliberately wrong anyone in the two years, 11 months and 21 days of his administration.
The governor later turned to Wamakko and said: “Your Excellency, I am certain that in our relationship as your political son, there may be areas where I have made mistakes. As Ahmad Aliyu and Ahmadun Alu, not as governor of Sokoto State, I am again asking for forgiveness.”
The gesture has since generated debate across Sokoto and beyond, with residents, political actors and social media users offering different interpretations.
A political analyst, Dr. Ibrahim Baba Shatambaya, said the action could be viewed from different angles.
He said it may be a political move considering Wamakko’s continued influence in Sokoto politics, adding that it could also reflect loyalty and respect for a political mentor.
“At a time when many political followers move away from their mentors after attaining power, this action appears to show continued loyalty and commitment,” he said.
Reacting, Alhaji Cika Mairago Sarkin Gishiri of the ADC said the governor’s apology was aimed at securing political support from Wamakko.
He added that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) believes strongly in relying on God in all political matters, noting that “we depend on Allah for everything we do.”
He also said the APC in Sokoto remains largely influenced by Wamakko, adding that many believe political success in the state is difficult without his backing.
Another ADC member, Naziru Maikulki, described the gesture as political strategy aimed at gaining public sympathy, similar to tactics used during past campaigns.
He said the governor’s earlier campaign style was based on simplicity and grassroots appeal, but said governance expectations have changed.
APC supporters, Abba Abubakar and Aliyu Ibrahim Layin-Iska, defended the governor, saying the gesture reflected humility and respect.