The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State has come down hard on the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration in the state, accusing it of gross mismanagement, worsening insecurity, and insensitivity to the everyday struggles of the citizens.
Chairman of the PDP in the state, Muhammad Goronyo, who addressed journalists on Saturday at the party’s secretariat during a quarterly meeting of current and former executive members, described the present administration as anti-development and disconnected from the people’s needs. He asserted that governance in Sokoto had nosedived significantly since the APC took over power in 2023.
“Since our exit from office, things have gone from bad to worse. Instead of empowering businesses, the government is demolishing them. Job opportunities are drying up, while the cost of living continues to skyrocket. The people are suffering, and the government seems unbothered,” Goronyo said.
The opposition leader did not spare the state government’s handling of local government funds, accusing it of mismanaging allocations and failing to deliver any tangible projects across the 23 local government areas in the state.
“For two years now, there’s been no meaningful development at the grassroots level. They claimed to have saved local government funds, yet when federal allocation was delayed for just one month, salaries couldn’t be paid. That clearly shows that the local governments are broke, and development funds are being misused,” he stated.
On the security situation, Goronyo dismissed the Federal Government’s claims that security had improved across the country, insisting that Sokoto’s case proves otherwise. He lamented the rise in violent attacks, killings, and kidnappings in various parts of the state, adding that the government had failed to protect the lives of its citizens.
“What we’re seeing in Sokoto contradicts what is being said in Abuja. Our people are under siege—attacks happen almost every day, and there’s no concrete action, no sympathy, no support. Security is the state’s primary responsibility, and they are failing woefully,” he added.
Despite what he described as “a dismal state of affairs,” Goronyo expressed optimism about the PDP’s political future in Sokoto and at the national level. He said the party was actively reorganising and strategising to reclaim power in the next general elections.
“This meeting is part of our continuous effort to assess our journey and refine our strategy. PDP remains the most deeply rooted and structured party in Nigeria. By God’s grace, we will bounce back in 2027—both in Sokoto and across the federation,” he said.
Responding to speculations about a potential merger with other political parties, the PDP chairman was categorical in his dismissal, maintaining that the party will retain its original identity and legacy.
“We are not merging with any party. The PDP stands firm and proud as the last man standing among the political parties registered in 1998. We’re here to stay,” Goronyo declared.
The statement comes amid heightened political activities in Sokoto and growing criticism of the APC-led government’s handling of economic and security matters in the state.
