Governor Ahmed Aliyu was widely expected to leave a defining imprint on Sokoto State, and for the key stakeholders who staunchly backed his candidacy in the 2023 governorship election, the results of the last three years have justified their confidence in his capacity to govern the state. Any skepticism that trailed his candidacy has been firmly answered by the sheer scale of the infrastructure projects he executed and institutional reforms that he embarked on. Three years into his mandate, his sterling performance has made a compelling case for his second term and consolidated his political capital, leading to his endorsement by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 gubernatorial ticket.
Immediate Actions and Emergency Interventions
Assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Ahmed Aliyu inherited a severely depleted state, heavily bogged down by debt, a demoralized civil service, and a despondent people. Rather than dwelling on these problems—or the fact that his predecessor, Aminu Tambuwal, bluntly refused to provide him with a formal handover note—Aliyu bypassed the traditional honeymoon period and went straight to work. Within days, he had restored grid electricity to government ministries, the Government House, and vital public waterworks by offsetting outstanding debts to the Kaduna Electricity Company. He then rapidly cleared mountains of refuse threatening public health and resolved a lingering scholarship crisis that had put the future of Sokoto students in jeopardy.
Governance Philosophy and Performance Benchmark
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Sambo Bello Danchadi, noted that Governor Aliyu holds himself to such a strict performance benchmark that his commissioners and appointees are constantly pushed to higher standards. While the Governor would have welcomed a vibrant opposition, the absence of one due to an internal crisis has changed nothing; he remains his own fiercest critic and most demanding taskmaster.
Infrastructure Development
The infrastructure renaissance under Governor Aliyu stands as the most visible argument for continuity. As of early 2026, more than 300 township roads have been completed, with dozens of additional urban and rural projects underway. This transformed network of roads, bypasses, drainage systems, and newly completed bridges has revitalized connectivity and improved local economic activities. Travel times have been reduced for traders and farmers, while solar-powered streetlights have enhanced security and stimulated nighttime commerce.
Education Sector Reforms
Refusing to lament the deep decay in the educational sector, the administration moved aggressively to stabilize the system. Schools across the state have been systematically renovated; more than 1,175 classrooms have been constructed or rehabilitated; teachers have been recruited to reduce out-of-school children; and modern learning materials have been distributed. The administration revived long-abandoned scholarship programmes and is sponsoring tertiary students at home and abroad in high-impact fields like medicine, engineering, and information technology.
Healthcare Transformation
Recognizing that state-of-the-art facilities are only as good as the hands that run them, Governor Aliyu has recruited over 800 nurses for grassroots healthcare delivery. The administration has constructed three new general hospitals, rehabilitated 21 existing ones, and upgraded over 160 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs). Rural hospitals and PHCs have been fitted with solar power installations. The completion of the Sokoto State University Teaching Hospital has bridged a critical gap in tertiary care.
Agriculture and Economic Development
Agriculture, the backbone of Sokoto State’s economy, has received renewed strategic focus. By deploying mechanization support, improved seedlings, timely fertilizer distribution, and expanded irrigation schemes, the administration has transformed the agricultural landscape. Strategic partnerships such as the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) initiative backed by the Federal Government and the World Bank amplify these efforts.
Security Interventions
Recognizing that insecurity can paralyze development, Governor Aliyu established the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps for intelligence gathering and local defense. The administration has supported security agencies with forward operating military bases, over 180 Buffalo patrol vehicles and motorcycles, and critical operational logistics. The Governor has made it clear that his administration will never negotiate with terrorists.
Housing and Power Projects
Within his first 100 days, the Governor initiated the completion of 500 housing units, commenced construction of an additional 500, and purchased a 136-unit federal housing estate. The New Sokoto City project features nearly 2,000 serviced plots. Completing the long-abandoned 38-megawatt Sokoto Independent Power Project will support industrialization and businesses.
Social Welfare and Pension Backlog
The administration cleared inherited pension arrears exceeding ₦14 billion with an initial ₦4 billion injection and sustained monthly commitments of over ₦800 million. Governor Aliyu was the first state governor to implement the new National Minimum Wage and ensured civil servants receive wages on or before the 20th of every month. The administration has also recruited 3,000 new workers to enhance productivity.
Water Supply Restoration
Pipe-borne water has been comprehensively restored to the Sokoto metropolis, ending years of shortages. The administration aims to inject 40 million gallons of water per day into the system. Rehabilitation of water intake facilities and installation of solar energy systems at major waterworks have brought relief to communities.
Fiscal Discipline and 2026 Budget
Governor Aliyu has maintained amazing fiscal discipline, avoiding commercial bank loans to bankroll projects. The 2026 budget allocates nearly 70% to capital expenditure, a development-first strategy for long-term infrastructure expansion.
Political Strength and Endorsements
Across several local government areas, Governor Aliyu has been told not to bother campaigning because his good work speaks for him. The Sun Newspapers named him Governor of the Year for Impactful Governance in 2024, and New Telegraph named him Governor of the Year in Human Capital Development. As the February 6, 2027 governorship election approaches, the ballot will serve as a referendum on his first term, with the prevailing sentiment suggesting he has earned a second term.
