Sokoto State 2027 Governorship: Nineteen Aspirants Join Race

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Sokoto State has unveiled a provisional list indicating that nineteen individuals are set to vie for the state's governorship position in the 2027 general elections. This compilation, made public at INEC's state headquarters on Saturday and observed by our correspondent, features aspirants from numerous political organisations all seeking to occupy the highest political office in the state.

A diverse array of political parties is represented on this list. Notable among them are the Action Alliance, Social Democratic Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Democratic Party, Allied Peoples Movement, Zenith Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Peoples Redemption Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, National Rescue Movement, African Action Congress, Accord, Young Progressives Party, National Democratic Party, Labour Party, National Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Prominent names featured include Aliyu Shamsudeen Ahmad, representing the NDC; Abdullah Sokoto Abubakar from the PDP; Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya of the ADC; and the current state governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, who will be running under the banner of the APC.

This expansion of candidates signifies a broadened electoral landscape for the upcoming contest. It is anticipated that these aspirants will either initiate or escalate their political engagements, including consultations, grassroots mobilisation, and other strategic activities, as the 2027 election draws nearer.

Nonetheless, the Peoples Democratic Party's participation in the gubernatorial contest is overshadowed by its ongoing internal disagreements. Abdullah Sokoto Abubakar's inclusion on the list identifies him as the candidate emerging from the faction allied with the Wike/Bature political bloc.

In response to these events, Hassan Sahabi Sanyinnawal, the Publicity Secretary for the opposing PDP faction, stated that his group is currently evaluating the situation. He indicated that their stance would be communicated publicly once a thorough review has been completed. Sanyinnawal affirmed, “We are studying the situation carefully and will make our position known to the public soon.”

Sanyinnawal further appealed to members and sympathizers of the PDP to maintain tranquility and refrain from any actions that could exacerbate the existing internal strife within the party. He stressed, “We urge all our supporters to remain calm and patient. There is no need for anybody to panic or take any action in haste.”

These internal dynamics within the PDP are poised to be a significant factor in the political landscape leading up to the 2027 elections, especially as the party endeavors to solidify its standing before the polls.

Given the substantial number of nineteen candidates, the contest for the Sokoto governorship is anticipated to feature an intense campaign. Major parties like the APC, PDP, ADC, alongside others, will be actively vying for the electorate's backing throughout the state.