Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has reiterated his commitment to ensuring financial autonomy for local government councils to improve governance and better the lives of citizens.
Aliyu made this pledge after participating in the local government elections held on Saturday.
After casting his vote at the Magajin Rafi Model Primary School polling unit in Tudun Wada “A” of Sokoto South Local Government Area, Governor Aliyu expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the elections.
He commended the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) for organizing a smooth and peaceful process.
The governor also urged candidates to accept the election results with grace, stressing the need for unity in governance.
He affirmed his readiness to collaborate with those elected to deliver on the promises made to the electorate.
Similarly, Senator Aliyu Wamakko (APC, Sokoto North) participated in the election by voting at the Gidan Kara polling unit in Wamakko Local Government Area.
He pointed to the high voter turnout as a sign of the people’s confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
Wamakko emphasized that electoral victories should be seen as an opportunity to serve and called for transparency from those who will emerge as winners.
Meanwhile, the APC State Chairman, Alhaji Isa Achida, lauded the transparent nature of the elections, noting that the involvement of multiple political parties highlighted increasing public engagement in the political process.
Achida also praised security agencies for maintaining peace throughout the voting exercise and expressed optimism that APC candidates would prevail in the 23 local government areas.
Alhaji Suleiman Aliyu, the SIEC Executive Chairman, confirmed that he personally oversaw the elections to ensure smooth proceedings.
He mentioned that complaints were promptly addressed to minimize disruptions, though some polling units experienced delays due to late arrival of materials.
Aliyu also clarified that BIVAS machines were not used in the election due to technical difficulties encountered during the last General Elections.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that 15 political parties participated in the elections.
While voter turnout, especially among women, was higher than expected, there were instances of delays in some areas, with voting starting after 9:00 a.m. due to logistical challenges.
Despite the election activities, business continued as usual in many parts of Sokoto metropolis, with traders and business owners operating without significant disruptions.
