An open letter to the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, His Excellency, Ahmad Aliyu

Your Excellency,

If you have forgotten, let me remind you that an opposition political party provided the platform through which you secured the mandate to occupy the seat you currently hold. You should therefore understand the importance of political competition, opposition parties, and democratic principles.

Government exists for the people, by the people, and in the interest of the people. Democracy is built on freedom, accountability, political tolerance, and respect for opposing views.

We strongly condemn what we consider to be your administration’s disturbing attitude towards opposition political parties in Sokoto State, particularly the alleged use of state-owned security personnel to intimidate, harass, threaten, and obstruct opposition members from exercising their constitutional rights to political participation, campaigns, and rallies.

Your Excellency, if you genuinely believe in democracy and desire a second term, there are better and more honorable ways to earn the people’s confidence. Your priority should be to address insecurity, improve citizens’ welfare, and deliver the dividends of democracy, rather than allegedly deploying government institutions against political opponents.

Only last week, reports emerged that when the African Democratic Congress (ADC) intended to flag off its campaign in Sokoto State, its members allegedly faced intimidation and restrictions. We also received reports that commercial hotels were directed not to accommodate some of the party’s guests and supporters.

Furthermore, we have been informed that an ADC campaign office in the state was sealed on grounds that appear questionable and insufficiently justified.
If these reports are accurate, they raise concerns about your administration’s commitment to democratic principles and the constitutional rights of opposition parties.

Your Excellency, opposition parties are not the government’s enemies. They have every constitutional right to organize, campaign, criticize government policies, and seek the electorate’s mandate. No governor should mistake the powers of his office for ownership of the state or its institutions.

In a democratic society, the character, competence, achievements, and good intentions of political aspirants should be their strongest selling points. Intimidation, coercion, and abuse of public institutions are not signs of political strength; they only undermine democracy.

As a Muslim, I also urge you to reflect on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) concerning leadership and public responsibility. In the well-known narration involving Abu Dharr (RA), the Prophet discouraged him from accepting public authority, reminding him of the enormous responsibility that comes with leadership. Public office is a trust, not personal property or an instrument of oppression.

Remember that political power is temporary. A day will come when government positions, security escorts, and political influence will no longer matter. Every leader will ultimately answer before Almighty Allah for how he treated the people entrusted to his care.

If you genuinely desire the support of the people of Sokoto State, concentrate on protecting their lives, improving their welfare, addressing insecurity, and delivering meaningful development. Allow opposition parties to operate freely and let the electorate decide through a credible and peaceful democratic process.

You do not need to intimidate, threaten, or coerce anyone to secure re-election. A government that performs well should not fear political competition.

Your Excellency, the people of Sokoto State are not your political subjects; they are citizens whose mandate you were elected to serve. Remember, the same democratic process that brought you into office can also determine whether you deserve another term.

We therefore call on you to respect the constitutional rights of all political actors, ensure the neutrality of security agencies, and guarantee a level playing field ahead of the 2027 general elections.

History will remember you not merely by how long you occupied public office, but by how you exercised the power entrusted to you.

Hamza N. Dantani, Esq
Human Rights Activist