As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Governorship Candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has congratulated Nigerians, particularly the people of Sokoto State, and called for sober reflection on the state of the nation after 66 years of independence. Dan’iya said the anniversary provides an opportunity not only to celebrate Nigeria’s resilience and achievements but also to ask difficult questions about governance, accountability and the quality of life of ordinary citizens under the present APC-led administrations.
In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya said the APC-led governments at the federal and state levels have, in his assessment, subjected Nigerians to worsening economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and declining access to essential public services. He said Nigerians cannot continue to be asked to celebrate political promises when families are struggling to afford basic necessities, communities remain concerned about security and young people face limited opportunities. “The APC has had sufficient time and resources to demonstrate what it can do. Nigerians are entitled to ask where the dividends of those resources are,” he said.
Dan’iya was particularly critical of the 9-Point Smart Agenda of the Sokoto State Government, describing it as, in his assessment, “a grand political promise whose implementation has failed to match the expectations of the people.” He said the government’s own 2026 budget places total expenditure at about ₦758.7 billion, with approximately ₦389.3 billion expected from FAAC, IGR and opening balances, yet the state’s own citizens’ consultation identified improved security, water supply, healthcare facilities and school infrastructure among the pressing demands of residents.
The ADC candidate said Sokoto citizens should not be distracted by what he described as government publicity while fundamental challenges remain unresolved. He pointed to persistent concerns over insecurity, water supply, healthcare, education, employment and economic hardship, arguing that a government should be judged by what citizens can actually see and feel in their communities. While the state government says its Nine-Point Agenda has delivered investments across education, health, water, security and the economy, Dan’iya maintained that the gap between government claims and the experiences being reported by citizens demands greater accountability and independent scrutiny.
Dan’iya said his criticism was not directed at the people of Sokoto or Nigeria, but at what he described as a system of governance that has failed to convert public resources into sufficient improvements in the lives of citizens. He challenged the APC governments to provide citizens with clear evidence of expenditure, project completion, measurable outcomes and the impact of their flagship programmes. He said government must move beyond ceremonies, announcements and budget figures to demonstrate concrete results in security, schools, hospitals, water schemes, agriculture, jobs and the local economy.
The ADC candidate urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to take a more active interest in the country’s democratic process and examine the records, programmes and promises of all political parties before the 2027 elections. He said the ADC intends to present what he described as a different approach centred on security, education, healthcare, employment, agriculture, technology, water supply, youth empowerment, institutional accountability and inclusive economic development. He called for a peaceful democratic process in which citizens are free to make their choices based on evidence, performance and their expectations for the future.
Dan’iya once again congratulated Nigerians and the people of Sokoto State on the 66th Independence Anniversary, saying the country’s greatest strength remains the resilience and determination of its people. He expressed hope that Nigeria would use the occasion to renew its commitment to democratic values, accountable leadership and national development, and reaffirmed his vision of “A New Sokoto” within a stronger, more prosperous and secure Nigeria.
