The Sokoto State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with a severe internal crisis that has split the party into two opposing factions, one led by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto North) and the other by Senator Ibrahim Lamido (Sokoto Central).
Senator Wamakko, a former governor of Sokoto and the acknowledged leader of the APC in the state, is now facing significant opposition from the Lamido-led faction, creating a rift that threatens to destabilize the party.
According to Daily Trust, the conflict centers around allegations of corruption, misgovernance, and the demolition of public structures.
Sources close to the matter reveal that the struggle for control of the state’s resources is a primary driver of the dispute.
According to an insider, “This is beyond politics; it’s about who holds the reins of Sokoto’s wealth. Wamakko has enjoyed dominance for years, but Lamido believes it’s time for change.”
Tensions escalated when the Lamido faction hinted at forming a parallel APC structure, aimed at liberating the party from what they describe as the overpowering influence of Governor Ahmed Aliyu and his political mentor, Wamakko.
Sani Yakubu Gudu, representing Gudu/Tangaza Federal Constituency, voiced the frustrations of the Lamido faction, stating, “We are trying to save the APC from complete collapse under the control of Governor Aliyu and Senator Wamakko. They refuse to correct their missteps, leaving us no choice but to act.”
The dispute has attracted quiet support from various political figures, including traditional rulers, government officials, and academics, some of whom are backing the Lamido faction.
Hon. Gudu criticized Governor Aliyu’s administration for focusing on superficial projects, like beautification efforts in Sokoto city, while ignoring urgent issues such as unemployment, education, and the state’s struggling agricultural sector.
He also cited insecurity in the state as a significant problem, accusing the governor of failing to act on rising banditry.
In response to the allegations, Sokoto APC Chairman Alhaji Isa Sadiq Achida dismissed the claims as baseless, labeling them as the desperate tactics of politicians who have lost relevance.
He also refuted corruption allegations, adding that the party remains united, with no room for factionalism.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) blamed the APC’s internal crisis on poor governance, challenging the ruling party to provide transparency on a controversial N1.2 billion borehole repair project.
The PDP also criticized the government’s misplaced priorities in the face of ongoing banditry in parts of the state.
Adding to the turmoil, over 300 residents of the Yauri Flats Estate staged a protest over government plans to demolish their homes.
They appealed to Senator Wamakko for intervention, although Governor Aliyu refused to engage with the protesters.
Political analysts have cautioned that if the crisis remains unresolved, it could destabilize the Sokoto APC, possibly prompting a defection by Wamakko to another party, such as the Social Democratic Party (SDP).