Seventy-five persons who identified themselves as blood relations of Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and declared their support for the party’s 2027 Presidential and governorship candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, in what they described as a decision to seek a new political direction and better representation of their interests.
In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya said he was deeply honoured by the decision of the group, which was led by Alhaji Habibu Muhammad, whom the group identified as a younger brother of the Governor’s late father, and Hajiya Sa’adatu Muhammad, described as the Governor’s aunt. He thanked the 75 new ADC members for the confidence they had demonstrated in his candidature and welcomed them warmly into the party.
The defectors told Dan’iya that despite their close family relationship with the Governor, they felt neglected and insufficiently attended to by their own son and brother, Governor Ahmed Aliyu. They said their decision to support the candidate of the opposition was driven by their desire for a political leadership that would listen to their concerns, protect their interests and improve the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Responding, Dan’iya said political leadership should never be about exclusion or the concentration of opportunities among a few individuals, stressing that his vision is for a government with an open door, a listening ear and a human face. He assured the new members that they would be welcomed without discrimination and that their decision to join the ADC would be respected.
The ADC candidate said the development further demonstrated that political choices in Sokoto are increasingly being shaped by citizens’ expectations about governance, welfare, security and development. He urged the new members to remain peaceful and respectful of differing political views, assuring them that the ADC campaign would continue to focus on issues affecting the people of Sokoto State.
Dan’iya expressed his profound appreciation to Alhaji Habibu Muhammad, Hajiya Sa’adatu Muhammad and all 75 members for their support, saying he would regard their confidence as a responsibility rather than merely a political endorsement. He reiterated his commitment to building a more inclusive Sokoto through improved security, education, healthcare, employment, water supply, agriculture, youth empowerment and accountable governance.