Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has sparked mixed reactions following his public apology to residents and his gesture of kneeling before former governor and APC leader, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, during the party’s governorship affirmation for the 2027 election.

The event, held at the APC state secretariat during his affirmation as the sole gubernatorial candidate of the party on Thursday, saw the governor first asking residents for forgiveness over any perceived shortcomings in his administration, which has lasted about two years and 11 months.

“We did not deliberately wrong anyone in the two years, 11 months and 21 days of our administration. I seek forgiveness from anyone I may have offended unknowingly. On behalf of myself and my deputy, I ask for forgiveness and pray that Allah forgives us all,” he said.

The governor later turned to Wamakko and said: “Your Excellency, I am certain that in our relationship as your political son, there may be areas where I have made mistakes. As Ahmad Aliyu and Ahmadun Alu, not as governor of Sokoto State, I am again asking for forgiveness.”

The gesture has since generated debate across Sokoto and beyond, with residents, political actors and social media users offering different interpretations.

A political analyst, Dr. Ibrahim Baba Shatambaya, said the action could be viewed from different angles.

He said it may be a political move considering Wamakko’s continued influence in Sokoto politics, adding that it could also reflect loyalty and respect for a political mentor.

“At a time when many political followers move away from their mentors after attaining power, this action appears to show continued loyalty and commitment,” he said.

Reacting, Alhaji Cika Mairago Sarkin Gishiri of the ADC said the governor’s apology was aimed at securing political support from Wamakko.

He added that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) believes strongly in relying on God in all political matters, noting that “we depend on Allah for everything we do.”

He also said the APC in Sokoto remains largely influenced by Wamakko, adding that many believe political success in the state is difficult without his backing.

“People feel that if you are not with Alu, you cannot succeed in politics,” he said.

Another ADC member, Naziru Maikulki, described the gesture as political strategy aimed at gaining public sympathy, similar to tactics used during past campaigns.

He claimed the governor’s earlier campaign style was based on simplicity and grassroots appeal, but said governance expectations have changed.

“People voted for him because they believed he was a grassroots villager. After winning, the situation has changed, and many rural communities are yet to feel the impact of governance,” he said.

However, an APC supporter, Abba Abubakar, defended the governor, saying the gesture reflected humility and respect.

“Anybody familiar with Sokoto politics knows the governor is respectful and loyal. I do not think he offended Wamakko in any way,” he said.

Another supporter, Aliyu Ibrahim Layin-Iska, said the action was not unusual.

He said Wamakko remains a father figure in Sokoto politics, adding that their relationship has always been based on mutual respect.

Meanwhile, reactions on social media remained divided, with some describing the gesture as humility while others saw it as political calculation. (Daily Trust)