Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu has reassured the public that the upcoming local government elections will be conducted fairly and transparently.
Speaking to supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from eight local governments in Sokoto East senatorial zone, Aliyu emphasized his commitment to a free electoral process.
The governor’s statement came during a campaign kickoff event held in Goronyo, where he addressed concerns about the electoral process and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Governor Aliyu encouraged the PDP to participate in the upcoming elections and urged them to nominate candidates. He responded to accusations from the PDP that he and his party might be involved in manipulating the electoral process.
According to Aliyu, such allegations are unfounded. He pointed out that the officials of the Sokoto State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), who will oversee the elections, were appointed by the former governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who was from the PDP. Aliyu stressed that he had not interfered with the SIEC or its operations.
In his address, Aliyu expressed surprise at the PDP’s reluctance to participate in the elections organized by the SIEC. He mentioned that he had met with the Chairman of the SIEC, who assured him of the commission’s commitment to a transparent electoral process. The governor stated that the SIEC Chairman had promised that the results would be declared fairly, regardless of who wins.
The governor’s assurance is crucial in maintaining public confidence in the electoral process, especially given the political tensions and allegations of bias that can accompany such events. By addressing these concerns publicly, Aliyu aims to reassure both his supporters and the opposition of his commitment to a fair electoral process.
In a related development, the former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Magatakarda Wamakko, praised Governor Aliyu for his achievements in his first year in office. Wamakko highlighted the governor’s efforts in driving development across various sectors of the state. He commended Aliyu for his contributions and encouraged him to continue his good work.
“Mr. Governor, we are very proud of what you have accomplished in just one year. Your efforts in improving different sectors of the state are commendable. Please keep up the excellent work,” Wamakko said. His endorsement underscores the support for Aliyu’s administration and its ongoing projects.
Wamakko also called on the residents of Sokoto to view the local government elections as an opportunity to show their support for Aliyu’s government. He encouraged everyone to participate actively in the elections, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in local governance.
Overall, the governor’s statements and Wamakko’s praise reflect a push towards a positive and transparent electoral process, with a focus on encouraging participation and maintaining public trust in the democratic process.