Born in Wamakko, Sokoto State, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko rose from teaching and local government service to become a two-term Governor of Sokoto (2007-15) and currently serves as Senator representing Sokoto North. 

Who Is Aliyu Wamakko?

Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko is a Nigerian politician from Sokoto State, affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), currently representing the Sokoto North senatorial district and best known for his long-standing influence in northern Nigerian politics. 

His Profile Summary 

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His Early Life and Education

Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko was born on 1 March 1953 in Wamakko town, Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State. 

He began his formal education in the 1960s: he attended Magajin Gari Ward Primary School in Sokoto in 1960, then Wamakko Primary School, completing his primary education in 1967.

From 1968 to 1972, he attended Sokoto Teachers’ College (now a teacher-training institution), where he obtained his teaching certificate and then went on to work as a teacher and headmaster in the Sokoto region.

He later travelled to the United States and attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a B.Sc. (and reportedly postgraduate work) in 1980. Following his return to Nigeria, he completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Sokoto State in 1980.

This early academic and administrative background built the foundation for his later move into politics.

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Aliyu Wamakko’s Career Before Politics

Before becoming a full-fledged politician, Wamakko built a foundation in public service and administration:

• He worked as a teacher after completing his certificate in 1973, serving as a headmaster in primary schools in Sokoto.
  

• He took up roles in local government administration: for example, Principal Assistant Secretary in Zurmi LGA (Zamfara now) and Acting Secretary, then Sole Administrator of Kaura Namoda LGA.
  

• In 1986-87, he was Chairman of the Sokoto Local Government Council and later became General Manager of the Sokoto Hotel Management & Tourism Board.
  

• In March 1992, he became Director-General, Careers & Special Services in the Governor’s Office, Sokoto State.

This mix of teaching, local government and state administrative roles provided Wamakko with broad experience across governance, before his elective offices.

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Aliyu Wamakko’s Political Career

His Entry into Politics

Wamakko formally entered politics at the dawn of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. In 1999, he was elected Deputy Governor of Sokoto State under Governor Attahiru Bafarawa, serving from 1999 to 2006.

He secured the ANPP ticket initially, then later crossed over to the PDP ahead of his governorship bid. 

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His Major Political Roles

• Governor of Sokoto State (2007-2015): Elected in April 2007 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his election was annulled in April 2008, but he won a re-run and continued until May 2015.

• Senator, Sokoto North (from 2015): He ran on the platform of the APC and has been representing his senatorial district since 2015.

• Committees & Influence: He has held key committee positions, such as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence and Vice Chairman of Anti-Corruption, among others.

• Governor of Sokoto State (2007-2015): Wamakko won the April 2007 election on the platform of the PDP and took office on 29 May 2007.

His Achievements and Impact

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Senator Aliyu Wamakko’s Personal Life

Aliyu Wamakko’s Net Worth 

Summary 

Source: Pulse