Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
In a major political realignment that may reshape Sokoto’s political landscape, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State suffered a significant blow on Tuesday as top supporters of the party led by Chika Sarkin Gishiri, Chairman of the Sokoto State Traders Association defected to All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection, which took place at the residence of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the APC leader in the state, was marked by a grand reception welcoming the defectors into the ruling party.
Speaking at the event, Alhaji Sarkin Gishiri stated that the decision to join the APC was motivated by the collective desire of his supporters to advance the development of Sokoto State.
He pledged unwavering commitment to the APC and reaffirmed his full support for the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, praising the governor’s developmental strides and people-centered policies.
“This move represents a significant shift in the political tide,” Sarkin Gishiri declared.
“As influential members of Sokoto’s business community, we believe in contributing meaningfully to a government that is clearly working in the best interest of the people.”
He also expressed deep appreciation for Senator Wamakko, citing his long-standing support for business leaders across the state.
According to Sarkin Gishiri, the Senator’s guidance has been instrumental in the growth of numerous business ventures.
Joining him in the defection was the former Chairman of the State Traders Association and current Chairman of the Sokoto State Chamber of Commerce, Ladan Almustapha.
Addressing the gathering, Almustapha announced that all executives of the state’s traders associations have now aligned with the APC, committing to a common cause of economic and political progress.
He praised Senator Wamakko’s visionary leadership during his tenure as governor and lauded Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s achievements within his first two years in office.
In his response, Senator Wamakko expressed gratitude for the new members’ decision to join the APC, assuring them of equal treatment and inclusion in the party’s plans.
He promised prompt government intervention in the traders’ affairs, including the ongoing renovation of the fire-damaged Sokoto Central Market and the provision of financial support to revitalize their businesses.
“Traders are integral to our economic growth,” Wamakko said. “Now that we are united, we will ensure no one is left behind in the state’s development agenda.”
Addressing lingering issues, the former governor acknowledged the water supply challenges in the state, pledging increased investment in the State Water Board to ensure the availability of clean and sufficient water.
He also criticized the previous PDP administration for dismantling the main water pipelines, which he said contributed to the current shortages.
However, he assured the traders that under Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s leadership, Sokoto would soon rival or surpass its counterparts in infrastructure and service delivery.
The historic occasion was attended by a large delegation of key figures in the state’s traders associations, including Bello Bulaki, Alhaji Ibrahim Achida, Nasiru Tukur Faru, Almustapha Ghani Mainiyyo, and many others, such as Malami Zamau, Alhaji Falalu Ibrahim Maitakalma, and Sirajo Ibrahim Maitakalmi.
Their collective presence underscored the magnitude of the defection and the growing support base for the APC in Sokoto State.
