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From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
The APC senatorial candidate for Sokoto East, Umaru Ajiya, has pledged to prioritise job creation, economic empowerment and security if elected to represent the district in the Senate in 2027.
Ajiya made the commitments during his “Meet the People” tour of Gada and Illela Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, where he engaged traditional rulers, religious leaders, party officials and other community stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While speaking in Gada, he said his legislative agenda would focus on creating opportunities that would enable residents, particularly youths and women, to become economically self-reliant rather than remain dependent on government assistance.
According to him, meaningful representation should go beyond making speeches in the National Assembly, adding that a senator must be able to identify the economic and security challenges affecting his constituents and use legislation, oversight, partnerships and strategic interventions to address them.
“My aim is to promote initiatives that would strengthen household incomes, create employment opportunities and unlock the economic potential of communities across Sokoto East.”
He also pledged to work closely with security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders and communities to support efforts aimed at addressing insecurity, saying sustainable peace was fundamental to economic growth and development.
Ajiya said no meaningful development could take place in communities where farmers, traders and businesses operate under the fear of attacks, adding that security must therefore remain a collective responsibility involving government and the people.
He commended traditional and religious leaders for their roles in maintaining peace, resolving disputes and keeping communities united, adding that their influence could complement government efforts in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
In Illela, the senatorial candidate further highlighted the importance of traditional institutions in managing conflicts, describing them as a critical first line of intervention in resolving disputes before they escalate and require formal government intervention.
He described Illela as one of the relatively peaceful areas in the Sokoto East Senatorial District and pledged to consolidate its position as an important commercial hub if given the mandate to represent the zone.
“My vision for Sokoto East will be anchored on creating an environment where peace, commerce, agriculture, education and human capital development could thrive simultaneously.”
He urged residents to continue supporting government development initiatives, stressing that political leadership should be measured not only by the number of projects attracted to an area but also by the capacity of those projects to improve people’s livelihoods and create sustainable opportunities.
He urged women and youths to participate actively in the political process, describing them as critical stakeholders in determining the future of the country.
He promised to prioritise empowerment programmes that would equip them with skills, access to opportunities and means of becoming self-reliant if elected.
He expressed confidence in the chances of the APC in the 2027 elections, saying the calibre of candidates presented by the party would give it a strong platform to seek the people’s mandate across the state.
