PDP loses more ground in Sokoto as top market officials dump party for APC

On Tuesday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faced another heavy loss in Sokoto State, as senior officials of the Sokoto State Traders’ Associations defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring their full endorsement of the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

Led by the Chairman of the Traders’ Associations, Alhaji Chika Sarkin-Gishiri, the mass defection was welcomed by Senator Aliyu Wamakko (APC – Sokoto Central) at his residence in Sokoto, calling it a big political advantage as the APC now marks two years in office under Governor Aliyu.

Senator Wamakko welcomed the new members to the party and assured them that they have equal rights and will be included in the party. “There is no reason not to carry all the traders along now that you have decided to work with the government, we believe that lots will be achieved,” he said.

Wamakko reassured the administration’s commitment to finalize the renovation of the Sokoto Central Market, which had been destroyed by fire, and outlined other business packages that will be pro-trader and provide financial assistance to stimulate their businesses and ultimately promote socio-economic development.

While speaking about the water supply problem in the state, the senator blamed the former PDP government for dismantling critical water works, which he said has contributed to the pulse of shortages being experienced. He assured residents that the state was working on boosting the capacity of the State Water Board so residents could access clean water.

In his remarks on behalf of the traders, Sarkin-Gishiri said that defecting to the APC was a huge political loss for the PDP, while noting that the defecting traders decided to align with the APC because of a  shared desire to develop.

“We are now ready to work together with the government to promote policies that will liberate the people,” he said.

Another defecting trader, Alhaji Ladan Almustapha, former chairman of the association and currently Chairman of the Sokoto State Chamber of Commerce, added that Senator Wamakko deserved praise for his leadership and noted that the entire association decided to defect unanimously.

He added that the defecting traders were determined to support the sitting administration towards building a stronger and resilient Sokoto State.