By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO:- In a major political boost ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election, the Sokoto State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has endorsed Governor Ahmad Aliyu for a second term, citing what it described as remarkable strides in workers’ welfare, pension administration, and public sector reforms.

The endorsement was formally announced on Friday during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Giginya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto, where thousands of civil servants, labour union members, pensioners, and employees from private organizations gathered to commemorate May Day.

Speaking before the large crowd, Sokoto State NLC Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Aliyu, popularly known as “Jungle,” declared that workers in the state had resolved to support Governor Aliyu’s re-election bid based on what he called the administration’s worker friendly policies and commitment to improving living standards.

According to him, the endorsement was not politically motivated but rather a reflection of the governor’s visible efforts in addressing longstanding labour concerns.

“Today, workers in Sokoto State have every reason to stand firmly behind Governor Ahmad Aliyu. This administration has shown practical commitment to workers’ welfare, payment of salaries, pensions, and improving the working environment,” Aliyu stated.

He noted that under Governor Aliyu’s leadership, civil servants in the state had witnessed renewed attention to salary issues, pension obligations, and broader welfare packages for both active workers and retirees.

“Civil servants in Sokoto have no cause to complain because this government has remained proactive and responsive to our needs. From salary stability to pension matters and welfare interventions, the governor has demonstrated sincerity of purpose,” he added.

The labour leader urged workers across the state to reciprocate the governor’s gestures through greater dedication, productivity, and commitment to public service.

“As workers, our own responsibility is to support good governance with loyalty, hard work, and professionalism. We must reciprocate this gesture by remaining committed to our duties and ensuring efficient service delivery,” he said.

The endorsement is expected to significantly strengthen Governor Aliyu’s political standing as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 governorship contest in Sokoto State.

Political analysts say labour unions remain a critical voting bloc in many states, particularly in northern Nigeria where the public sector workforce constitutes a major segment of the electorate.

Governor Ahmad Aliyu, who has repeatedly emphasized his administration’s focus on governance reforms, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and civil service revitalization, has yet to formally declare his intention for a second term, though Thursday’s endorsement may intensify calls for his re-election bid.

The Governor represented by his Deputy Engineer Idris Mohammad Gobir at the occasion announced that the state government would procure thousands of motorcycles to be sold at heavily subsidized rate to civil servants in the state.

The May Day event also featured solidarity marches by various labour unions, cultural displays, and speeches centered on workers’ rights, welfare, and national economic challenges.

With the NLC’s public endorsement, Governor Aliyu appears to have secured an early strategic advantage in Sokoto’s evolving 2027 political landscape.