Champions of the People: How Young Federal Lawmakers Are Redefining Representation in Sokoto

In a political landscape often dominated by rhetoric and unmet promises, two young lawmakers from Sokoto State are quietly rewriting the script. Hon. Bashir Usman Gorau, representing Gada-Goronyo Federal Constituency, and Hon. Umar Yusuf Yabo of the Yabo-Shagari Federal Constituency, have emerged as beacons of people-centered leadership — not only as first-term legislators but as genuine agents of transformative change.

Elected in 2023 under the banner of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), both men accomplished what many thought impossible: defeating entrenched incumbents from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in constituencies long considered strongholds of the dominant party. But their journey goes beyond electoral upsets — it’s about redefining what it means to represent the people.

The Unlikely Victory

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The 2023 elections in Sokoto State were full of surprises. Despite predictions heavily favoring the APC, the victories of Gorau and Yabo sent shockwaves through the political establishment. Armed with youthful energy, grassroots credibility, and a record of community engagement, they ran people-focused campaigns that prioritized listening over lecturing.

“It wasn’t just about politics for them,” said a long-time APC supporter in Gada. “It was about finally feeling seen and heard — something we had not felt in years.”

Gorau, in his early 30s, made history by unseating four-term lawmaker Hon. Musa S. Adar. Yabo, on the other hand, triumphed in a tightly contested election fraught with reruns. Their wins were widely seen as a public rejection of distant leadership and a call for authentic, responsive governance.

Tangible Impact Beyond the Ballot

Unlike their predecessors, Gorau and Yabo have remained deeply connected to their constituencies. Their leadership style is built on accessibility, visibility, and concrete results.

In Gada-Goronyo, Hon. Bashir Gorau holds regular town hall meetings, often sitting on mats with villagers to discuss issues. Under his leadership, roads have been rehabilitated, boreholes installed in water-scarce communities, and new classroom blocks constructed in underserved rural areas.

One of Gorau’s most celebrated initiatives is a scholarship program that supports over 1,100 students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. “I am the first in my family to attend university,” said Abdulrasheed Danladi, a student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. “Without Hon. Bashir’s support, it would have remained a dream.”

Yabo, known by his traditional title Danmaje, mirrors this dedication in Yabo-Shagari Federal Constituency. From skills acquisition programs in tailoring, welding, and agriculture to direct welfare interventions, his grassroots approach has earned widespread admiration.

Legislative Footprint: From Sokoto to the National Assembly

While many first-time lawmakers struggle to find their legislative voice, Hon. Gorau has hit the ground running — not just in constituency work, but at the heart of national policymaking.

In 2023, he sponsored the Student Loan (Access to Education) Act (Amendment) Bill (HB. 113), aimed at improving students’ access to education financing. His bill is part of a broader commitment to expand educational opportunities for underprivileged youth — a mission already reflected in his scholarship scheme.

Beyond education, Gorau has tabled several motions addressing urgent national and local challenges, including:

The establishment of a military outpost at Kwanar Maharba and a military base in Gada LGA to improve security in his constituency.
The dredging, desilting, and rehabilitation of Goronyo Dam, vital for agriculture and water supply in the region.
A motion calling for a nationwide clearance operation to tackle escalating banditry across six states most affected: Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Niger.
An urgent motion for the emergency repair of the Falaliya Main Water Canal, a key resource for irrigation.
A bold motion to investigate the non-collection and non-remittance of $20 million in oil royalties owed to the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority by NNPC Ltd — reflecting his willingness to hold powerful entities accountable.
These interventions show a young lawmaker unwilling to be silent or sidelined, even in opposition.

Serving Amid Challenges

Being in the opposition in a politically charged state like Sokoto is a tightrope walk. The ruling APC has made no secret of its plans to reclaim the constituencies in 2027. But observers say the work already done by Gorau and Yabo has created a bond with the electorate that will be hard to break.

“They want them to fail,” said Alhaji Ibrahim Goronyo, a retired civil servant. “But the people won’t let that happen. We’ve tasted real representation. We won’t go back.”

Even members of the ruling APC, albeit anonymously, have praised the lawmakers’ performance. “If they maintain this momentum, it’ll be difficult to unseat them,” one party insider confessed. “Unless we find candidates of similar calibre — and that won’t be easy.”

The People Speak

A recent informal poll by a Sokoto-based civil society organization found over 85% of constituents in Gada-Goronyo and Yabo-Shagari rated their lawmakers as “effective” or “very effective.”

“For the first time, we feel our votes mattered,” said Hajara Magaji, a petty trader in Shagari town. “They didn’t disappear after elections. They are here, with us, working for us.”

From farmers to students, the consensus is clear: the people want them back.

Why I Cannot Afford to Fail – Gorau

In a revealing interview, Hon. Gorau explained the deeper significance of his role.

“I must strive to succeed as a first-timer and the youngest lawmaker ever elected to represent a federal constituency from Sokoto since 1999, because my failure will affect the chances of upcoming politicians in our state and the country at large,” he said.

He emphasized his push for peace and security in eastern Sokoto — a region plagued by banditry.

“Ninety percent of our people are farmers. We produce rice, wheat, onions, and watermelon. But many farms have been abandoned due to insecurity. That’s why I took it upon myself to meet with top military officers to ensure more personnel are deployed to restore peace.”

Two Years On: Measurable Impact, Growing Momentum

Now two years into their legislative journey, Hon. Gorau and Hon. Yabo have moved beyond idealism to deliver measurable progress. What started as an experiment in youthful hope is quickly becoming a benchmark for grassroots leadership in Sokoto.

As they look ahead, both lawmakers are focused on consolidating gains, deepening security efforts, and expanding empowerment programs — all while inspiring a new generation to believe in the power of accountable leadership.

As Malam Ahmad Ibrahim, a farmer in Shagari, put it: “They don’t just represent us — they serve us. And when leaders serve, people protect them.”