As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle, the contest for the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket in Sokoto East is already drawing attention, with a mix of experienced lawmakers, party loyalists and new entrants positioning themselves for the race.
Investigations by our reporter indicate that while the field is still fluid, early permutations suggest that personal political structures, loyalty to party leadership and recent career decisions may play decisive roles in determining who clinches the ticket.
Among the prominent aspirants is the serving member representing Wurno/Rabah Federal Constituency, Arc. Ibrahim Almustapha, who has been in the House of Representatives since 2015. Almustapha has built a reputation for constituency engagement, which political observers say could translate into significant delegate support if he eventually joins the race formally.
To secure victory in the election, a candidate must command broad acceptance across the senatorial zone, which comprises eight local government areas. Hon. Almustapha, however, currently represents only Wurno and Rabah at the House of Representatives.
This leaves a significant gap in his visibility and influence across the remaining local government areas, making it imperative for him to expand his reach and build wider support ahead of the election, a task that may prove challenging within the limited time available.
Another notable figure is Hon. Musa S. Adar, a former lawmaker who represented Gada/Goronyo Federal Constituency for four consecutive terms before losing his seat in 2023 to first-time entrant, Hon. Usman Gorau. Adar’s long legislative experience and name recognition across the zone are seen as assets.
However, questions are being raised over reports of his resignation from his current political appointment, a development some party insiders believe could complicate his chances, depending on how party guidelines are interpreted.
The immediate past state chairman of the APC and current North-West Zonal Secretary of the party, Alhaji Isa Sadiq Achida, is also widely mentioned among top contenders. Achida’s political trajectory has been closely tied to the influence of Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, widely regarded as the leader of the APC in Sokoto State. Analysts say Achida’s longstanding loyalty to Wamakko and his strategic positioning within the party structure could give him an edge in the delegate-based primary system.
Achida previously served as commissioner under Bafarawa administration and was later reappointed during the tenure of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal before resigning to contest for the state APC chairmanship in 2018—a position he held until 2026. His recent emergence as the APC North-West Zonal Secretary has further strengthened his visibility within the party hierarchy.
Achida, during his tenure as party chairman, led the APC to victory in the 2023 governorship election in the state. Even as the main opposition party earlier, he had secured three senatorial seats, nine House of Representatives seats, and a majority in the State House of Assembly for the APC during the 2019 general elections, an achievement that continues to bolster his political standing.
Similarly, Achida is regarded by many party faithful as a grassroots politician who maintains close ties with his constituents. It is learnt that he has continued to reside in his hometown of Achida despite prevailing security challenges in parts of Sokoto East, a move supporters interpret as a demonstration of solidarity and commitment to his people.
Also in the mix is Alhaji Umar Ajiya Isa, a former staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), who is believed to have familial ties to former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa. His entrance into the race is believe to be influenced by Bafarawa even though he is not yet known whether he has joined the party.
Unlike other aspirants, Ajiyan Isa is yet to test his popularity at the polls and is generally viewed as lacking an established political base. Observers say his chances may depend largely on elite backing and his ability to quickly mobilise grassroots support.
Political analysts note that beyond individual credentials, the contest will likely be influenced by zoning considerations, intra-party dynamics and the preferences of key power brokers within the APC in Sokoto State.
The issue of insecurity is also expected to feature prominently in the calculations of party delegates, particularly in Sokoto East where communities have faced persistent challenges.
Observers say delegates may ultimately tilt towards a candidate perceived to have the capacity, influence and legislative competence to effectively articulate the zone’s concerns at the national level.
“There is no clear frontrunner yet, but the structure of the party and alignment with influential figures will be critical,” a party source told Daily Trust.
It was reported that while party leaders engaged in a series of meetings and consultations across other zones to reconcile aspirants, no similar efforts were undertaken in Sokoto East, leaving stakeholders in the area in disarray.
There were also speculations that state party leaders were in discussions with one of the aspirants, widely regarded as the wealthiest among themWith months to go before formal declarations and primaries, stakeholders say the race remains open, but caution that early momentum, strategic alliances and internal party negotiations will ultimately shape the outcome of the APC senatorial ticket in Sokoto East..
