From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, fear, anxiety and intense debate have gripped residents of Sokoto State, especially supporters of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The ADC in Sokoto State has announced that no fewer than 10 aspirants have indicated interest in contesting for the party’s governorship ticket.
They include Hon. Bashir Usman Gorau, Malam Sa’idu Umar, Mannir Muhammad Dan’iya, Senator Ibrahim Lamido, Hon. Yusuf Suleiman, Hon. Faruk Malami Yabo, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, A.A. Gumbi, Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe Salame and Malam Bashir Ahmad Dan Hili.
However, the major question on the minds of many residents is who the ADC will eventually field as its governorship candidate in 2027.
Across the state, discussions and debates continue to dominate political gatherings, with many asking: “Who will emerge as the opposition candidate?”
Observers are also asking who among the aspirants can effectively challenge Governor Ahmed Aliyu of the APC.
Our correspondent gathered that former PDP supporters, who now constitute the majority of ADC members in Sokoto State, are divided into three camps based on the senatorial zones.
The largest group is advocating for the emergence of a governorship candidate from Sokoto South Senatorial District.
Another group is rooting for a candidate from Sokoto Central, while a third faction supports zoning the ticket to Sokoto East Senatorial District.
Political analysts say the party is currently engaged in intensive consultations aimed at presenting a strong candidate capable of competing with the APC in the state.
They warned that the ADC must be strategic in selecting a candidate who can effectively challenge Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who is seeking a second term in office.
Some party insiders believe the ADC may eventually hand the governorship ticket to former Ambassador to Jordan and former Deputy Governor, Ambassador Faruk Malami Yabo, who hails from Sokoto South Senatorial District, the same zone as Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
Political observers believe that if Malami secures the ticket, it could strengthen Tambuwal’s reelection bid in 2027, as well as his reported ambition to become Senate President in the 10th National Assembly.
A contest between Governor Aliyu and Malami is being projected as one of the most high-profile political battles in the state ahead of the 2027 elections, despite the advantages of incumbency and political influence enjoyed by the governor.
Meanwhile, another aspirant from Sokoto Central, Mannir Dan’iya, may reportedly be persuaded to step down from the governorship race and instead contest for the Sokoto South Senatorial seat against APC leader and former governor, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.
Under such an arrangement, Dan’iya’s experience as a former deputy governor and his political popularity would be deployed in the senatorial contest.
On its part, the APC is said to have endorsed Alhaji Umar Ajiya Isa, a former NNPC staff member with close ties to former governor Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa.
Ajiya is expected to challenge incumbent Senator Ibrahim Lamido, who is reportedly seeking a second term under the ADC platform.
The ADC may also consider replacing Lamido with another candidate for Sokoto East Senatorial District. One of the names being mentioned is former Minister of Youth and Development, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman.
Lamido was reportedly criticised over his perceived failure to adequately address the security challenges facing Sokoto East Senatorial District, where insecurity remains a major concern.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, political observers say the ADC’s choice of candidates across the state will determine how competitive the party can be against the ruling APC.