The realignment of forces between Governor Ahmed Aliyu and former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa in Sokoto State marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. It comes with far-reaching implications for political development and peace in the state. This reconciliation, evidenced by Bafarawa’s public commendation of Aliyu’s leadership style and their mutual condolence visits, signals a departure from decades of political rivalry that has shaped Sokoto’s governance.
Sokoto’s recent political history has been dominated by key figures, including Bafarawa who was governor from 1999 to 2007 and Aliyu Wamakko who governed the state from 2007 to 2015, with Aliyu, the incumbent, emerging as Wamakko’s political son. Bafarawa and Wamakko’s relationship, which began with Wamakko serving as Bafarawa’s deputy governor under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), deteriorated due to political ambitions and ideological differences by 2006. This fallout shaped Sokoto’s politics, creating factions aligned with either Bafarawa or Wamakko. Subsequent elections in the state were then seen as proxy battles between the two camps, with candidates like Aliyu, who was backed by Wamakko, and Aminu Tambuwal, who was thought to be initially backed by Wamakko but later aligned with Bafarawa in PDP, at the forefront. Aliyu, who served as deputy governor under Tambuwal before resigning due to political differences, won the governorship election in 2023 under the APC, defeating PDP’s Saidu Umar, supported by Tambuwal.
The recent realignment, highlighted by Bafarawa’s praise for Aliyu’s leadership and their condolence visits in 2024 and 2025, suggests a softening of these long-standing divisions. Bafarawa’s commendation of Aliyu for emulating the inclusive leadership style of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and his pledge of support indicate a willingness to prioritise the unity of Sokoto over partisan rivalry. This shift is particularly significant given Bafarawa’s exit from the PDP and his stated focus on broader developmental agendas for Northern Nigeria, which may have reduced his stake in partisan conflicts.
The realignment between Aliyu and Bafarawa could also pave the way for more inclusive governance in Sokoto. Bafarawa’s acknowledgment of Aliyu’s peace-building initiatives and inclusive leadership suggests a collaboration that transcends party lines. Historically, Sokoto’s politics has been characterised by winner-takes-all approaches, where opposition figures were marginalised, leading to governance that prioritised loyalists over broad representation. Governor Aliyu broke the ice with his reconciliatory efforts, which Bafarawa has applauded as involving intervening in disputes and fostering dialogue. This could integrate diverse political voices into decision-making processes.
Aliyu appreciates the fact that inclusive governance is critical for political development, as it ensures policies reflect the needs of various constituencies. This reduces or totally eliminates alienation and fosters trust in institutions. By aligning with Bafarawa, a respected elder statesman with significant influence, Aliyu can leverage his experience and networks to bridge the divide between APC and PDP supporters, as well as other political factions. This could lead to a more cohesive political environment, where governance focuses on collective progress rather than partisan interests and victories that are short-lived.
It also has the capacity to strengthen Sokoto’s political institutions by reducing the personalisation of power. This is because the Bafarawa-Wamakko rivalry tends to center on individual control rather than institutional processes. This has ensured that godfatherism dominated the candidate selection process and policy direction. Aliyu’s engagement with Bafarawa, coupled with his political father’s continued influence, suggests a balancing act that could shift focus toward institutional frameworks. For instance, Aliyu’s administration has been severally praised and recognised by The Sun Awards as Governor of the Year, for infrastructure investments and sectoral reforms, which indicate a commitment to governance outcomes over political vendettas.
However, strong institutions are the backbone of political development. They ensure continuity and accountability beyond individual tenures. If Aliyu and Bafarawa collaborate on initiatives like education, healthcare, or security, they could establish frameworks that outlast their political careers. This will set a precedent for future leaders. Moreover, Bafarawa’s call for rewarding loyal supporters fairly could also encourage merit-based appointments, and reduce patronage politics as well as enhance institutional credibility.
Note that Sokoto’s political landscape had been polarized by the Bafarawa-Wamakko feud. For this reason, elections in the state were framed as battles between their proxies. This polarisation has sometimes, also, hindered policy continuity, as incoming administrations reversed predecessors’ projects to assert dominance. However, the new Aliyu and Bafarawa romance could de-escalate these tensions, and create a more cooperative political culture with Bafarawa’s assurance of support and Aliyu’s condolence visits signaling mutual respect, which could trickle down to their followers, and eventually reduce or eliminate hostility among their supporters.
This will become an incentive to development as a less polarised environment is an enabler of political stability, which, in itself, enhances long-term planning and implementation of development projects. It also encourages constructive opposition, where criticism focuses on policy rather than personal attacks. This shift is particularly crucial as Sokoto navigates economic challenges like poverty and the impacts of fuel subsidy removal, which require bipartisan cooperation to address effectively. Therefore, the Aliyu-Bafarawa realignment will most likely promote social cohesion because political rivalries in Sokoto usually create social tensions, especially when aligned with ethnic, religious, or regional identities. So, bridging the Bafarawa-Wamakko divide, while essentially move on the political chessboard, is also essential to addressing some community divisions created by supporters who had rallied around their political idols. It is therefore not impossible that the Aliyu and Bafarawa alliance could promote social cohesion by demonstrating unity among elites, which will likely trickle down to their supporters.
This sort of social cohesion is vital for peace, as it reduces the likelihood of communal conflicts that can arise from political instigation. Therefore, by presenting a united front, Aliyu and Bafarawa can discourage divisive rhetoric, and foster a new understanding of shared identity among Sokoto’s diverse population.
Sokoto state stands to benefit more from the alliance. For a state that is facing security challenges, including banditry and kidnapping, particularly in areas like Sabon Birni and Goronyo, political fragmentation is not a positive additive to coordinated responses because rival factions will always prioritise control over collaboration. Though the Aliyu’s administration has already taken measured steps to address banditry, such as re-establishing the Hisbah and challenging security chiefs to act decisively, his realignment with Bafarawa and with the support of Wammako, could enhance security cooperation by aligning key stakeholders behind a common agenda. Bafarawa’s support could also amplify these efforts, bringing his influence and resources to bear on community-based security initiatives, which Aliyu had invested heavily on.
A unified political front can also improve coordination with federal agencies and neighbouring states, creating a more robust security framework. For instance, Bafarawa’s networks in Northern Nigeria could facilitate regional dialogue on trans-border crime, while Aliyu’s grassroots support can mobilize local vigilance groups. Each one brings something to the table and enhanced security would, no doubt, create a safer environment for economic activities, and reinforce peace and stability of Sokoto state.
All things being equal, if the realignment turns out very successful, and helps in redirecting the course of peace and stability of Sokoto, it could become a model for other Nigerian states grappling with political divisions. It could demonstrate that reconciliation among leaders can drive collective progress and development. Gov. Aliyu and Bafarawa’s shared commitment to emulating Sir Ahmadu Bello’s leadership style, which is rooted in unity and service, offers a hopeful vision for Sokoto’s future and fulfilling the aspirations of its people.