A senator representing Sokoto North, Aliyu Wammako, has endorsed his former commissioner for Water Resources, Farouk Yabo, to succeed the sitting governor, Aminu Tambuwal.
Mr Tambuwal has defected to opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and has already purchased the party’s nomination for presidential primaries.
Reliable sources said Mr Wammako had for long anointed Mr Yabo, but some “saboteurs within” made attempts to convince the godfather to pick the current deputy governor of the state, Ahmed Aliyu.
DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that Mr Wammako earlier mulled the idea of adopting Mr Aliyu on the premise that he is the highest ranking political office holder between the two top contenders.
“But when you talk about years of experience, qualifications, human relations and popularity among the people of Sokoto State, Yabo is ahead. You can’t even compare the two.
“On at least three occasions, Sarkin Yamma (Wammako) directed Yabo to forgo his political ambitions, and as a loyal disciple, he accepted his godfather’s directive in good faith.
“This time around, Sarkin Yamma asked Ahmed Aliyu to also give Yabo a chance. Despite the fact that Ahmed Aliyu was not happy with the decision, he has no option but to accept it.
“In Sokoto, there is once contest once Sarkin Yamma gives directives,” said a source familiar with Sokoto politics.
DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that already the 12 APC members in the House of Assembly have purchased nomination and expression of interest form for Mr Yabo.
