Sokoto Youths Defend INEC Nominee, Dismiss ADC Candidate’s Objection

The Sokoto Youth Emancipation Front (SYEF) has dismissed objections raised by African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, over the nomination of Prof. Mustapha Ahmed Aliyu as a national commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Dan’iya, through his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, had urged President Bola Tinubu to withdraw Aliyu’s nomination to represent the North-West geopolitical zone, citing alleged political affiliations and family ties between the nominee and Sokoto State governor, Ahmed Aliyu.

The nomination was announced on 16th October, 2026.

In a statement issued yesterday, SYEF spokesperson, Comrade Ahmed Adamu, described the objection as politically motivated and accused Dan’iya of attempting to politicise the nomination.

Adamu said the nominee’s alleged relationship with the governor should not, on its own, determine the consideration of his nomination.

“Linking his nomination to being the governor’s relative is mischievous and a clear attempt to mislead the public,” Adamu said.

The group maintained that the Senate screening process provides the constitutional avenue for examining the nominee’s eligibility for the position.

It urged the president and the Senate to allow the screening process to proceed, rather than withdraw the nomination in response to the objection.

SYEF also called on political actors to avoid turning professional appointments into partisan disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.