From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
A group of concerned Sokoto residents has challenged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship aspirant, His Excellency Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, to move beyond criticism of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration and present a clear, practical and achievable development blueprint ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group observed that since emerging as the ADC’s governorship candidate, Dan’iya has consistently criticised the policies and programmes of the incumbent administration.
Comrade Ibrahim Umar Kware, who spoke on behalf of the group, said the people of Sokoto deserved more than political attacks from anyone seeking their mandate.
“The forthcoming election should be defined by competing ideas, credible alternatives and concrete solutions to the challenges facing the state, not a campaign built solely on fault-finding,” he said.
Kware noted that Dan’iya had yet to present a comprehensive policy document outlining what he intended to do differently to improve security, create jobs, support farmers, strengthen education and healthcare, and accelerate economic development.
“Enough of criticism. Sokoto people want to know what you intend to do for them.
“What is your development agenda, and how do you intend to deliver on your promises? It is not enough to criticise the government without providing workable alternatives,” the statement read in part.
The residents stressed that seeking to govern a state with millions of residents required thorough preparation, a clear vision and a sound understanding of public administration.
They challenged Dan’iya to explain in detail how he would address the state’s pressing challenges, including realistic funding strategies, implementation timelines and measurable performance indicators.
The group also urged him to reflect on his tenure as deputy governor under former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and share the lessons he had learnt from the administration.
It cautioned Dan’iya against repeating what it described as the shortcomings of his political mentor, whom the group accused of assuming office without adequate preparation and leaving behind a legacy that, in its view, fell short of public expectations.
“Dan’iya should not follow the same path as his political mentor. Having served as part of a previous administration, he ought to understand that governance requires preparation, clarity of priorities and a proven capacity for delivery.
“Sokoto State cannot afford another experiment in leadership without a convincing development agenda,” the residents stated.
While acknowledging the importance of holding the incumbent administration accountable, the group highlighted Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s interventions in security logistics, road construction and rehabilitation, housing, and the revitalisation of primary healthcare as initiatives it said deserved objective public assessment.
It noted that the provision of operational vehicles, motorcycles and other security equipment had enhanced security responses, while acknowledging that tackling insecurity required sustained and measurable action.
The residents maintained that although the present government must be judged on its performance, the opposition also had a responsibility to demonstrate superior capacity and offer better alternatives rather than expecting voters to be swayed by criticism alone.
They therefore challenged Dan’iya to publicly present specific plans for strengthening security in vulnerable communities, supporting farmers and small businesses, tackling youth unemployment, attracting private investment and improving public service delivery across the state’s 23 local government areas.
According to the group, the 2027 election should provide voters with an opportunity to compare the incumbent administration’s record with the opposition’s proposals and make informed decisions based on competence, credibility and concrete policy alternatives.
“The people of Sokoto want results, not political noise. Governor Aliyu should be judged by his record and the work that remains, while Dan’iya must explain why he deserves the people’s mandate and what he can do better.
“If he truly believes he has a better vision for Sokoto, let him present it for public scrutiny. What Sokoto needs is a prepared leader with a clear plan, not a candidate whose campaign revolves around attacking others,” the statement concluded.
