Senator Ibrahim Lamido’s journey in Sokoto politics began when he was elected to represent Sokoto East Senatorial District in the 10th Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Until 2021, when he began to show interest in politics and joined Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko’s political empire in Sokoto State, the 44-year-old Lamido was relatively unknown in the political arena of Isa Local Government, where he hails from, let alone his senatorial district or the state at large.
By Bashar Ahmad Gobir
Lamido’s wise decision to align with Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sarkin Yamman Sokoto) was unsurprising, considering Wamakko’s enduring popularity and stronghold in the state’s politics. So, when the young Lamido, a federal civil servant, whom I consider a political novice in Sokoto State, ventured into partisan politics, he was certain that his political aspirations would be realized through Wamakko’s formidable structure and mass following.
There is no doubt that Lamido’s exuberance and ambition to vie for an elective position were reinforced by his conviction that, apart from his financial wherewithal to navigate the turbulent waters of the electioneering process, he would need a solid political structure to secure his victory. This was evident given the political weight of his opponent in the primaries and the general election. Formidable political structures are invaluable tools for election hopefuls like Lamido, built over years of service, community involvement, and countless sacrifices.
The close friendship between Senator Lamido and Governor Ahmed Aliyu put him at an advantage to easily gain Senator Wamakko’s acceptance. This, however, led to Wamakko turning down the re-election ambition of Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir (Sardaunan Gobir), the then incumbent senator for the zone. This marked the beginning of Lamido’s political marriage with Wamakko, who is considered a revered political mogul and kingmaker in Sokoto.
Today, despite initial opposition from party stakeholders and constituents, Senator Wamakko stood by Lamido and facilitated his emergence as the candidate for Sokoto East Senatorial District. Wamakko worked tirelessly to ensure Lamido’s victory in the 2023 elections under the APC. However, with less than a year and a half since his inauguration, Lamido is now in the midst of a political storm in the Sokoto APC chapter, facing a power struggle against Wamakko. This crisis was allegedly fueled by individuals who sought to create a rift within the party, splitting it into factions in the state. Observers believe Lamido is acting on a script to repay Wamakko by destabilizing the party in the state.
The rift between Senators Wamakko and Lamido was reportedly fueled by some leaders of the 10th Senate and is tied to Wamakko’s support for Senator Abdul-Azeez Yari, who contested against Senator Godswill Akpabio for Senate President. Lamido, believed to have benefitted from Wamakko’s influence, went against the collective position of northern senators, supporting Akpabio’s Senate Presidency bid. This perceived disloyalty led to the first signs of conflict between the two.
Lamido had the rare opportunity to learn the intricacies of politics, but instead of focusing on his legislative duties, he has found himself entangled in political games. His performance record lists him as one of the few senators yet to sponsor any bill on behalf of his constituents. This is unfortunate given the socio-economic challenges his district currently faces.
The outcome of Lamido’s opposition will depend on his ability to navigate Sokoto politics and Wamakko’s dominance. Many observers see Lamido’s internal power struggle within the APC as damaging his political career. Senator Wamakko, a former governor, is widely regarded as the undisputed APC leader in Sokoto, with an extensive network of elected officials loyal to him.
From all indications, this conflict extends beyond internal rivalry to a broader struggle over control of state resources and governance. Although Lamido believes he can challenge Wamakko’s dominance, anyone familiar with Sokoto politics knows that Wamakko’s influence has been firmly entrenched for years. Even attempts by powerful figures like former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami to unseat Wamakko’s leadership fell short.
Lamido’s faction, which claims frustration with Wamakko’s influence, recently announced, through Hon. Sani Yakubu Gudu, their intent to establish a parallel APC structure in Sokoto. However, Sokoto APC Chairman Isa Sadiq Achida dismissed these accusations as “desperate actions of political losers,” emphasizing that the APC remains unified under Wamakko.
Additional Lamido allies include Hon. Isah Bello Ambarura, a member of the House of Representatives, and Alh. Kabiru Sarkin Fulani, former Party Chairman in Goronyo Local Government. Wamakko has been their benefactor, supporting their political journeys since 2007. It’s ironic that these former loyalists now cite Wamakko’s influence as justification for their disloyalty.
Recent resignations from certain Sokoto East APC members have been portrayed as a demonstration of loyalty to Lamido. However, these resignations appear premeditated, intending to sow confusion about an impending leadership struggle within the APC. The loyalists in the Wamakko camp remain unconcerned about the defections, which they see as non-threatening to Sokoto’s APC structure under Wamakko.
Meanwhile, the resignation of some village heads from Sabon Birni seems to reflect an attempt to avoid disciplinary actions for their alleged partisan activities. These resignations may play into Lamido’s hands as he seeks to expand his recruitment efforts, particularly among PDP supporters, in case he is eventually ousted from the APC. However, this move is seen by many as unlikely to threaten the main APC faction led by Wamakko.
Sen. Lamido, Hon. Sani Yakubu Gudu, and Hon. Isah Bello Ambarura may recognize Wamakko’s significance but seem eager to distance themselves from his influence. These newfound “independent” politicians now seek to stop taking directives from Wamakko. They criticize Wamakko’s private residence, where APC chairman Achida reportedly conducts party business, as a pseudo-party secretariat. They fail to acknowledge that their early political victories relied heavily on Wamakko’s support.
Senator Wamakko’s decision to bring an inexperienced figure like Lamido into the Senate was arguably a misstep. Lamido’s unfamiliarity with Sokoto’s political dynamics and inflated confidence have led him to challenge a seasoned politician like Wamakko, a respected figure with an extensive legacy of public service and political influence.
Without Wamakko’s grassroots support, Lamido and his allies would not have succeeded politically. The Wamakko camp remains unconcerned by Lamido’s perceived popularity, pointing to Wamakko’s long-standing legacy of philanthropic contributions and community development as unmatched in Sokoto.
The real APC in Sokoto, led by Wamakko, recognizes the anti-party activities of Lamido’s faction. Lamido’s recent alliances with PDP figures threaten to undo APC’s progress in the state, as he considers alternatives in case he permanently parts ways with the APC’s established structure.
To the doubting Thomases over who holds sway in Sokoto politics and influences the Jagaban, the recent cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in which the two trusted and tested political associates of Distinguished Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi and Barrister Bello Mohammed Goronyo, were appointed and retained as Minister of Labour and Productivity and Minister of State for Works, respectively, has laid their speculations to rest.
Gobir writes from Sabon Birni Local Government of Sokoto State.
