The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has challenged the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu to publicly account for the reported expenditure of more than ₦40 billion on security between January and August, as attributed to Deputy Governor Idris Gobir. Dan’iya described the reported figure as a matter of grave public concern, particularly because communities across Sokoto continue to endure killings, kidnappings, displacement and attacks on their livelihoods. He said the people deserve more than announcements of huge spending; they deserve demonstrable improvements in their safety and freedom to live and work without fear.
In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya said the reported expenditure raises urgent questions about the government’s security strategy, financial accountability and measurable results. Available conflict data underscores the gravity of the crisis: the European Union Agency for Asylum, citing ACLED, recorded 299 security incidents resulting in 550 fatalities between January 2024 and August 2025, with Sabon Birni accounting for 102 incidents. ACLED subsequently reported more than 900 fatalities in Sokoto over the 12 months preceding its July 2026 update. These figures paint a disturbing picture of persistent and escalating violence despite repeated government assurances. Dan’iya asked: “If over ₦40 billion was spent in just eight months, what tangible security improvements can the government point to, and how much has it spent since assuming office in May 2023?”
The ADC candidate expressed particular concern over the continued insecurity affecting Sabon Birni Local Government Area, including Gidan Idi, which has suffered reported attacks and kidnappings despite being the home area of the Deputy Governor. He argued that the government cannot credibly celebrate billions in expenditure while residents remain vulnerable and communities continue to face fear, displacement and disruption of farming and other economic activities. “This is not a contest over figures on paper; it is about human lives. Every naira claimed to have been spent on security must translate into protection, effective operations, timely responses and safer communities. The government must explain what was purchased, what was delivered, where the resources went and what measurable results were achieved,” he said.
Dan’iya therefore called on Governor Ahmed Aliyu and Deputy Governor Idris Gobir to address the people of Sokoto publicly and release a comprehensive account of security expenditure from May 2023 to date. The disclosure should include approved budgets, actual disbursements, procurement contracts, equipment delivered, operational support provided to security agencies, community protection measures and independently verifiable outcomes. He also urged the relevant legislative oversight bodies and anti-corruption agencies to examine the expenditure where necessary. “The people of Sokoto have the right to know the true state of security in their state and how public funds entrusted to their government have been utilised. A claim of ₦40 billion is too substantial to be left as a headline without detailed public accountability,” he added.
Dan’iya maintained that the APC governments at the state and federal levels have failed to deliver the level of security Nigerians deserve, arguing that the continuing bloodshed and displacement in Sokoto demand an urgent change of approach. He said that if elected, an ADC government would combine effective security operations, intelligence-led policing, stronger collaboration with communities and rapid responses to distress calls with measures addressing the underlying conditions that make communities vulnerable to criminal recruitment. These would include tackling poverty and unemployment, expanding opportunities for young people, strengthening local livelihoods and improving public trust in security institutions. He stressed that socioeconomic interventions must complement—not replace—professional security operations and the immediate protection of lives.
“Enough of figures without answers and promises without peace. Sokoto people are entitled to a government that can explain its spending and, above all, protect its citizens. If more than ₦40 billion was spent in eight months, then the government must account for the results; if billions have been spent over three years, the people deserve a complete and transparent record. The ADC believes a new approach is possible—one that puts human life first, confronts the roots of insecurity and holds public officials accountable. Sokoto cannot continue to bleed while those in authority merely announce how much they have spent,” Dan’iya declared.
Signed:
Aminu Abdullahi
Media Aide to the ADC Sokoto Governorship Candidate
Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya
