Sokoto Government Defends Tinubu's INEC Nominee Aliyu

The Sokoto State Government has defended President Bola Tinubu's nomination of Professor Mustapha Aliyu as a National Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asserting that the appointment was merit-based. This response came after concerns were raised by Manir Dan’iya, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, regarding Aliyu's familial relationship with Governor Ahmed Aliyu and alleged political affiliations with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Faruku Labbo, the Special Adviser to the governor on Political Matters, stated that family ties alone do not disqualify a nominee and challenged Dan’iya to provide evidence of any political affiliations that could compromise Aliyu's impartiality. Labbo emphasized that Aliyu does not hold any position in the APC and is a qualified academic.

The nomination was announced on October 16, 2026, to fill vacancies due to the expiration of tenures of serving electoral commissioners. Labbo accused Dan’iya of politicizing the appointment and urged the public and Senate to evaluate Aliyu based on his professional competence.