About Alhaji Umar Ajiya

Biography of Alhaji Umar Ajiya Isa

Alhaji Umar Ajiya Isa, popularly known as Ajiyan Sokoto, is a Nigerian accountant, oil and gas executive, businessman, philanthropist, community leader, and politician from Sokoto State. He is a former senior executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Sokoto East Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Umar Ajiya Isa was born on 12 March 1965 and hails from Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State. He began his education in Sokoto, attending Sardauna Primary School before proceeding to Federal Government College, Wukari, Taraba State, for his secondary education.

He subsequently pursued higher education and professional training in accounting, finance, business management, and the oil and gas industry. His professional development helped him build a career spanning more than three decades in Nigeria's petroleum sector.

Ajiya began his professional career in the oil and gas industry, where he gained extensive experience in finance, corporate management, business strategy, project financing, and stakeholder relations. He worked with major organisations within Nigeria's petroleum industry, including Nigeria LNG Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company.

He rose through various professional and management positions and eventually became a Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company. In this capacity, he was involved in financial management, corporate planning, business strategy, and other important financial functions of the national oil company.

He also served as Managing Director of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the national petroleum corporation. His professional career in the energy sector gave him considerable experience in Nigeria's petroleum industry and public-sector financial management.

Beyond his corporate career, Ajiya has developed a reputation for philanthropy and community service. He has supported educational initiatives, youth development, assistance to vulnerable people, and other community-oriented programmes, particularly in Sokoto State.

His community activities have helped strengthen his relationships with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, women groups, political stakeholders, and residents across Sokoto East.

Ajiya became increasingly involved in partisan politics and formally registered as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in August 2025. Following consultations with political leaders, community members, and constituents, he announced his intention to contest for the Sokoto East Senatorial District seat in the 2027 elections.

In 2026, he emerged as the APC's candidate for Sokoto East Senatorial District following the party's selection and affirmation process. Sokoto East comprises Isa, Sabon Birni, Gada, Goronyo, Wurno, Rabah, Illela, and Gwadabawa Local Government Areas.

As a prospective senator, Ajiya has identified security, education, poverty reduction, economic development, youth empowerment, and infrastructure among the major issues requiring attention in Sokoto East. He has also emphasised the importance of effective representation and proper utilisation of public resources.

His background in finance and the oil and gas sector has shaped his approach to public service, particularly his emphasis on accountability, responsible management of public resources, economic development, and effective oversight.

Through his career as an accountant, oil and gas executive, corporate administrator, businessman, philanthropist, community leader, and politician, Alhaji Umar Ajiya Isa has established himself as a prominent figure from Sokoto State. His emergence as the APC's candidate for Sokoto East represents a new phase in his career as he seeks to bring his professional and community experience into legislative representation in the 2027 general elections.