Concerned residents of Sokoto State have challenged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate Manir Muhammad Dan’iya to present a clear and achievable development blueprint ahead of the 2027 general election.
The residents urged Dan’iya to move beyond criticism of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto’s administration and explain how he intends to address the state’s security unemployment education healthcare and economic development challenges.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by Comrade Ibrahim Umar Kware Comrade Aminu Hali Tambuwal and Comrade Bello Arzika Dandange the group said Sokoto residents deserved concrete policy proposals from anyone seeking their mandate.
They maintained that the forthcoming election should be defined by competing ideas credible alternatives and practical solutions rather than campaigns built solely on fault-finding.
According to the group Dan’iya has consistently criticised the incumbent administration’s policies and programmes since emerging as the ADC governorship candidate but has yet to present a comprehensive policy document outlining his alternative plans for the state.
‘Enough of criticism. Sokoto people want to know what you intend to do for them. What is your development agenda and how do you intend to deliver on your promises? It is not enough to criticise the government without providing workable alternatives’ the statement read in part.
The residents said governing a state with more than five million people required thorough preparation a clear vision and a sound understanding of public administration.
They challenged Dan’iya to explain how he would tackle the state’s pressing challenges including the funding mechanisms implementation timelines and measurable performance indicators for his proposed policies.
The group also urged the ADC candidate to reflect on his tenure as deputy governor under former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and share the lessons he learnt from the administration.
They cautioned Dan’iya against repeating what they described as his political mentor’s shortcomings accusing him of assuming office without adequate preparation and leaving without a tangible legacy commensurate with public expectations.
‘Dan’iya should not follow the same path as his political mentor. Having served in a previous administration he should understand that governance requires preparation clear priorities and a proven capacity to deliver. Sokoto State cannot afford another experiment in leadership without a convincing development agenda’ the residents said.
While acknowledging the need for accountability from the incumbent administration the group cited Governor Aliyu’s interventions in security logistics road construction and rehabilitation housing and primary healthcare revitalisation as efforts deserving objective assessment.
They also said the provision of operational vehicles motorcycles and other security equipment had improved security responses while acknowledging that insecurity required sustained measurable action.
The residents stressed that the opposition had an equal responsibility to demonstrate its capacity to govern and offer better alternatives rather than relying on criticism to win voters’ support.
They challenged Dan’iya to outline specific measures to improve security in vulnerable communities publicly support farmers and small businesses tackle youth unemployment attract private investment and strengthen public service delivery across the state’s 23 local government areas.
According to the group the 2027 election should let voters compare the incumbent’s performance with the opposition’s proposals and make informed decisions based on competence credibility and practical policy alternatives.
‘The people of Sokoto want results not political noise. Governor Aliyu should be judged by his record and the work that remains while Dan’iya must explain why he deserves the people’s mandate and what he can do better.
‘If he truly believes he has a better vision for Sokoto let him present it for public scrutiny’ the residents said.
They concluded that the state needed a prepared leader with a clear development plan not a candidate whose campaign they alleged revolved around attacking political opponents.