BY Sani Umar
As another election season approaches, public attention naturally shifts from promises to performance. Across democratic societies, incumbents seeking re-election are expected to present convincing evidence of what they have achieved during their tenure, while citizens assess whether those achievements justify another mandate.
In Sokoto State, this conversation has become increasingly important as political activities gather momentum ahead of the next general elections. When Governor Ahmed Aliyu assumed office in May 2023, he inherited a state confronted by multiple challenges, including insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, pressure on healthcare and educational facilities, and growing public expectations for improved governance and service delivery.
Armed with his Nine-Point Smart Innovative Agenda and the support of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the governor pledged to pursue people-oriented policies that would accelerate development, restore public confidence in government, and improve the living conditions of citizens.
As the administration approaches the end of its first term, attention has naturally shifted from campaign promises to measurable outcomes, with public discussion increasingly focused on whether the Governor’s performance has been sufficient to warrant another mandate from the people of sokoto state.
Any fair assessment of his administration must begin with infrastructure development, an area where the government has recorded some of its most visible achievements. Across the state, major road construction and rehabilitation projects have transformed both urban and rural communities. Several township roads have been completed, while strategic rural roads have improved connectivity, enhanced trade, and facilitated access to social services. Housing projects and urban renewal programmes have further changed the physical landscape of Sokoto State.
The administration has also demonstrated a strong commitment to education. Recognising that education remains the foundation of sustainable development, the government has invested heavily in school rehabilitation, classroom construction, provision of furniture, and expansion of educational opportunities. The renovation of schools under various intervention programmes and increased support for learning infrastructure have contributed to improving the educational environment across the state.
In the health sector, significant investments have been made to strengthen service delivery. Hospitals and primary healthcare centres have undergone rehabilitation, while additional healthcare workers have been recruited and deployed to underserved communities. Programmes targeting maternal and child health, routine immunisation, and primary healthcare have further enhanced access to medical services, particularly in rural areas.
Agriculture, which remains the backbone of Sokoto State’s economy, has received unprecedented attention under the current administration. The procurement and distribution of 250 tractors, fertilisers, improved seeds, agrochemicals, and farming equipment have provided critical support to farmers. These interventions have not only boosted agricultural productivity but have also contributed to broader efforts aimed at enhancing food security and improving rural livelihoods.
Security remains one of the greatest challenges facing Sokoto State and the entire North-West region. Although the problem predates the current administration and continues to pose serious difficulties, the government has invested substantially in supporting security agencies through the provision of vehicles, motorcycles, communication equipment, and other logistics. The establishment and strengthening of community based security structures have also complemented ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property. Another commendable effort of the Governor was the procurement of 62 Armoured Vehicles to add to the fleet of vehicles given to security forces to tackle banditry and other criminalities.
One of the administration’s notable achievements is its emphasis on social welfare and economic empowerment. Through various intervention programmes, thousands of women, youths, artisans, and vulnerable persons have benefited from financial assistance, skills acquisition initiatives, and empowerment schemes designed to improve household incomes and reduce poverty.
The government has also maintained a productive relationship with development partners, including the World Bank, UNICEF, Nutrition International, and other international organisations. These partnerships have attracted additional resources and technical support to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, nutrition, water supply, and rural development, thereby expanding the reach and impact of government programmes.
Another area deserving recognition is the administration’s investment in water supply. Although challenges remain, significant resources have been committed to the rehabilitation of water facilities and the revitalisation of the state’s water infrastructure. These efforts are aimed at addressing one of the most persistent concerns of residents across the state.
Supporters of Governor Ahmed Aliyu argue that these achievements demonstrate a government focused on development rather than political distractions. They point to the widespread distribution of projects across the 23 local government areas as evidence of an administration determined to ensure equitable development and inclusive governance.
From a broader governance perspective, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has demonstrated a clear commitment to development-oriented spending, fiscal discipline, and the implementation of policies aligned with his campaign promises. The consistency with which projects have been executed across multiple sectors suggests an administration determined to leave a lasting developmental footprint.
Viewed against the record of the past three years, there is a strong argument that Governor Ahmed Aliyu has earned the opportunity to present himself before the electorate for another term in office. His administration has recorded visible achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security support, social welfare, and rural development, providing a credible basis upon which voters can assess his request for a renewed mandate.
Based on the available evidence, there is a strong case to be made that he is justified to seek for a renewed mandate. No doubt, his administration has recorded visible achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security support, social welfare, and rural development. These accomplishments provide a credible foundation upon which he can seek another mandate from the electorate.
As Sokoto State moves closer to another electoral cycle, Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s greatest advantage may well be the body of work he has assembled during his first term.
Whether that record is sufficient to earn him another four years will be determined by the voters. What is beyond dispute, however, is that he enters the contest with substantial achievements to defend and a developmental record that will undoubtedly shape the political debate in the months ahead.
