#NigeriaDecides2023 – The Sokoto state chapter of the People Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections in the state, were characterised by political violence, maiming, and allegedly sponsored by its political opponent, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The state chairman of the party, Aliyu Bello Goronyo made the allegation while addressing journalists at the NUJ Secretariat on Tuesday.
According to him, the trend was a deviation from the politics of ideology that Sokoto is known for as promoted by the founding fathers.
“In this state, we have produced the likes of Sheikh Usmanu Bin Fodio, the former premier of Northern region late Sir Ahmadu Bello, and late president of Nigeria Shehu Usman Shagari, had all distinguished themselves as exemplary figures while they lived,” he stated.
He further alleged that some desperate politicians had introduced violence, thuggery, killing, and maiming into the political system, which led to the cancellation of over 400 polling units, in order to satisfy their whims and caprices.
“It is sad our seat of the caliphate is now famed for these kinds of lawlessness,” he added.
Goronyo added that Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s efforts in ensuring peace in the state were being frustrated by “some elements that were bent on disrupting the peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed in the state.”
While appealing to the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the violence, he assured that the state government will not fold its hands and allow enemies of the state to have their way.
Further appealing to the people of the state to remain calm as the state government will do everything to safeguard their lives, Goronyo also urged them to come out en mass to cast their votes for candidates of their choice on March 11.
