 in Sokoto State is facing a deep internal crisis, splitting the party into two factions led by prominent political figures: Senator Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto North) and Senator Ibrahim Lamido (Sokoto Central).){kind=link}
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State is facing a deep internal crisis, splitting the party into two factions led by prominent political figures: Senator Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto North) and Senator Ibrahim Lamido (Sokoto Central).
The dispute, fueled by accusations of corruption and mismanagement, has escalated into a fierce battle for control of both the party and the state’s resources.
Senator Wamakko, a former governor and long-standing APC leader in Sokoto, who is also considered a political mentor to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, is now facing stiff opposition from Senator Lamido’s faction.
According to sources from Weekend Trust, this confrontation is not just a political rivalry, but also a struggle for control of Sokoto’s resources and governance.
“This crisis has gone beyond politics; it’s now about who controls the resources of Sokoto. Senator Wamakko has dominated for years, but Senator Lamido feels the time has come for change,” said a source.
Frustrated by what they perceive as Governor Aliyu and Wamakko’s overbearing influence, Lamido’s camp is reportedly considering creating a parallel party structure. Sani Yakubu Gudu, an ally of Lamido and representative of Gudu/Tangaza, highlighted their resolve:
“We must defend the interests of the people who elected us. We cannot stand by and let the APC’s reputation be tarnished by the actions of Governor Aliyu and Wamakko.”
Growing Support for Lamido’s Faction
Lamido’s camp has been gaining support from various groups, including traditional rulers, politicians from within Governor Aliyu’s administration, and even members of opposition parties like the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP.
Gudu attributed the growing support to concerns about poor governance, insecurity, and corruption. He pointed to Governor Aliyu’s recent N1.2 billion contract for borehole repairs as an example of questionable spending, arguing that paying N48 million for a single borehole was outrageous.
“This is daylight robbery,” Gudu stated. “The Sokoto government has received billions from the federal government, yet we see no meaningful impact. Instead, we are witnessing expensive but superficial beautification projects while urgent needs remain unmet.”
He also accused the governor of dismissing traditional rulers for political reasons and failing to effectively address the growing threat of banditry, further questioning the administration’s priorities.