Gov. Aliyu Warns Politicians Against Threatening Peace Ahead of 2027

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has warned politicians and other actors against using political activities to destabilize the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Governor gave the warning on Wednesday during a traditional Sallah homage to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the Sultan’s palace as Muslims marked the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. He said Sokoto had maintained a peaceful atmosphere despite security challenges confronting parts of the North-West and stressed that preserving stability remained critical to development and economic growth.

“We will not fold our arms and allow unpatriotic citizens to jeopardize our peaceful coexistence,” the governor declared.

He warned that his administration would deal decisively with individuals found vandalising public infrastructure or undermining security efforts across the state. According to him, the government has invested significant public resources in roads, schools, healthcare facilities and other infrastructure projects that must be protected by residents.

“These projects being executed across the state are funded with taxpayers’ money and must therefore be protected by every well-meaning citizen of the state,” he said.

Focus on Security

The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies battling banditry and other forms of criminality in the state.

Aliyu said stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies was necessary to defeat criminal networks, especially informants accused of providing intelligence and logistical support to armed groups.

“We need to come together and stop the informant syndrome if we are to succeed in defeating bandits,” he said.

He described informants as “more dangerous than the bandits themselves,” arguing that criminal operations would struggle to thrive without local collaborators.

The governor disclosed that the executive arm of government would soon transmit a bill to the Sokoto State House of Assembly proposing stiffer penalties for individuals convicted of aiding bandits or leaking security information. He also commended the military, police and other security agencies for their sacrifices and continued operations against insecurity in parts of the state.

Sultan Calls for Peaceful Politics

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto urged political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and divisive campaigns as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to intensify.

The Sultan advocated issue-based politics rooted in dialogue, tolerance and respect for democratic values.

He also praised Governor Aliyu for executing projects in infrastructure, education and Islamic propagation, saying the administration’s efforts were visible across the state.

“We are proud of you, our governor, and proud of what you are doing for our people,” the Sultan said.

The monarch further urged residents to continue supporting policies and programmes aimed at improving social welfare and sustaining peace across Sokoto State.