A political advocacy group, Arewa Transformational Leader, has petitioned the Muslim World League over alleged political violence, intimidation and suppression of opposition activities in Sokoto State, calling for an investigation into the role of former governor and senator, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.
In a petition addressed to the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the group raised concerns over Wamakko’s alleged political influence in the state and called on the international Islamic organisation to examine whether his conduct and political affiliations align with its principles of peace, social justice, moderation and dialogue.
The petition, signed by Muhammed Umar on behalf of Arewa Transformational Leader, also asked the League to establish Senator Wamakko’s current relationship with the organisation, noting that his appointment to its council was publicly reported in 2014.
The group cited three incidents which it said reflected an increasingly hostile political environment for opposition parties in Sokoto.
It alleged that on October 28, 2026, women participating in a peaceful solidarity procession organised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were attacked, leaving several participants with serious injuries.
The petition identified one Aliyu KC and his associates, whom it described as alleged political thugs linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as being responsible for the attack.
It urged the relevant authorities to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable, including individuals suspected of organising, financing or protecting the alleged perpetrators.
The group further alleged that the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, was attacked on October 30, resulting in damage to vehicles.
Another incident highlighted in the petition was the reported sealing of the ADC campaign office by the Sokoto State Government on November 2, ahead of the party’s planned presidential campaign flag-off scheduled for November 4.
According to the group, the incidents, considered collectively, raise serious questions about the protection of democratic participation and the ability of opposition parties to conduct political activities without intimidation.
The petition also expressed concern over the reported release of Aliyu KC and his associates from prison, describing the circumstances surrounding their release as requiring investigation.
It called for scrutiny of the legal basis for their release, the authorities that approved it and whether any public officials or political intermediaries played a role.
While acknowledging Wamakko’s position as a prominent APC political figure in Sokoto, the group argued that his influence places a responsibility on him to discourage violence, restrain supporters and support accountability.
It accused the state administration and APC leadership in Sokoto of creating an atmosphere that allegedly undermines opposition participation.
However, the petition called for an impartial examination of allegations concerning Wamakko’s possible involvement, encouragement or protection of individuals implicated in the reported attacks, as well as an opportunity for him to respond.
The group also drew attention to unverified reports that some APC stakeholders had allegedly mobilised political thugs to disrupt ADC activities and procured motorcycles for their operations.
It stressed that these reports had not been independently established and should be subjected to urgent investigation and preventive action.
Arewa Transformational Leader asked the Muslim World League to obtain a substantive response from Wamakko regarding the incidents, including what measures he had taken to prevent violence among individuals operating within his political influence.
It also requested an independent institutional review that would allow victims, their legal representatives and other affected persons to present evidence.
The group further urged the League to consider appropriate disciplinary measures under its rules, including possible suspension or termination of any association with the senator, should the findings and applicable regulations warrant such action.
Beyond the investigation, the petition called on the international organisation to publicly advocate non-violence, protect peaceful political participation and encourage cooperation with lawful investigations.
It also urged the League to seek an immediate public commitment from Wamakko to those principles.
The group said it had placed the senator on notice of the foreseeable risks associated with further violence allegedly linked to his supporters or political associates, insisting that any evidence of individual sponsorship or protection of violence must be investigated through lawful processes.
As supporting material, the petition disclosed that a hard drive containing photographs and video recordings relating to some of the allegations had been submitted to the Muslim World League.
The group requested prompt acknowledgement of the petition, an opportunity to brief designated officials of the League and a written response outlining the steps the organisation intends to take.
It maintained that the matter goes beyond political rivalry, arguing that the protection of peace, human dignity and democratic participation requires a credible response to allegations of political violence.
There was no response from Senator Wamakko or the Sokoto State Government contained in the petition made available for this report. The allegations remain claims by the petitioning group and have not been independently verified.
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