Sokoto APC Asks ADC Candidate to Explain Tambuwal's Record

The Sokoto State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has asked Manir Dan Iya, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, to explain how the eight-year tenure of former Governor Aminu Tambuwal went, where he served as deputy governor.

This challenge came after Dan Iya urged the Sokoto State Government to reveal the total revenue it has received from the Federation Account since 2023.

On Tuesday, Abubakar Bawa, the Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Government House in Sokoto, described this demand as unnecessary. He argued that information about federal allocations to states is already available through official channels.

Bawa stated that Dan Iya should instead talk about the achievements of the past administration and what the ADC plans to do for the people of Sokoto if they get the chance to govern again.

"Allocations to states from the Federation Account are publicly reported through the relevant official channels. Therefore, asking the Sokoto State Government to disclose information that is already in the public domain is unnecessary," he said.

The APC insisted that Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration has shown a commitment to transparency, accountability, and careful management of public resources. They noted that decisions made at State Executive Council meetings, including project approvals, are shared with the public.

However, the party accused the Tambuwal administration of leaving behind financial problems, unpaid obligations, and poor infrastructure even though it received large monthly allocations and other funds.

According to the statement, the past administration left pensioners waiting for their gratuities for six years and did not provide regular imprest to ministries, departments, and agencies.

The APC also claimed that civil servants under Tambuwal often faced salary delays. Payments sometimes extended to the 15th day of the next month.

"Even then, salary payments were uncertain, leaving workers unsure of when they would receive their entitlements," Bawa said.

He added that the Aliyu administration inherited significant unpaid electricity bills when it took office in May 2023, affecting government facilities like schools and the Government House.

The party estimated that outstanding registration and tuition fees for students both in Nigeria and abroad exceed N5 billion, along with unpaid sabbatical allowances owed to visiting lecturers.

Bawa noted that the current administration has settled these inherited liabilities, including overdue payments to students.

Regarding workers’ welfare, the APC said the Aliyu administration has implemented the new minimum wage across state and local government services, including staff of Local Government Education Authorities.

The party also mentioned that the government has recruited 3,100 personnel into various ministries, departments, and agencies, 2,400 health workers, and 1,550 personnel for the Sokoto Marshall security initiative.

These recruitment efforts aim to improve public service delivery, healthcare services, and security across the state.

The ruling party highlighted projects in road construction, water supply, education, healthcare, rural development, and security as proof of the administration’s work.

On infrastructure, the APC said projects left unfinished by the Tambuwal administration, such as the Rijiya Flyover and Tashar Illela Road project, have either been completed or are at different stages of completion under Aliyu.

They maintained that their campaign for re-election will focus on their record in office and projects carried out across the state.

"Rather than demanding information that is already publicly available, Dan Iya should tell the people of Sokoto State what the Tambuwal administration, in which he served as Deputy Governor, achieved to deserve another chance to govern the state," Bawa said.

The party promised to keep questioning the past administration’s performance throughout the campaign period.

This exchange comes as political parties in Sokoto ramp up preparations for the 2027 general elections, with topics like revenue transparency, public spending, workers’ welfare, infrastructure, and security expected to be key issues in political discussions.

Dan Iya, who was deputy governor during Tambuwal’s administration, is looking to challenge the APC-led government in the upcoming governorship election.