PDP Crisis Deepens in Sokoto as Members Defect to ADC, Party Factions Disagree Over Tambuwal

The political landscape in Sokoto State is witnessing fresh tension as more members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reportedly resigned from the party and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Despite the wave of defections, former PDP senator Abubakar Gada has called for calm, insisting that the PDP remains strong in the state.

The situation has, however, taken a dramatic turn as a faction of the ADC in Sokoto rejected the entry of some of the defectors, including former governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, claiming they did not follow the party’s constitutional procedure for membership.

In a statement issued by the Sokoto State chapter of the ADC under the chairmanship of Hon. Umar Muhammad Faruk, the party denied that Tambuwal is a registered member. According to the leadership, proper consultation was not carried out at the ward and local government levels, which are mandatory steps for anyone seeking to join the party.

The statement explained that the ADC leadership contacted the chairman of Tambuwal Ward and the party’s chairman in Tambuwal Local Government Area, Alhaji Aminu Tambari, who reportedly confirmed that they were unaware of any move by Tambuwal to join the party.

The party also warned the ADC’s 2023 Sokoto governorship candidate, Bello Isiyaku (popularly known as Keegan), to stop presenting himself as having the authority to facilitate the entry of new members into the party. The leadership stressed that membership processes must be conducted at the ward level under the supervision of the ward chairman in line with the party’s constitution.

Consequently, the Sokoto ADC leadership cautioned Tambuwal against interfering in the affairs of the party in the state, warning that such actions could prompt legal action.

The statement, signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Hon. Murtala Aliyu, nevertheless maintained that the ADC remains open to individuals willing to join through the proper and official process.

Meanwhile, the political shift has also affected the National Assembly representation from the state. Three of the four members of the House of Representatives elected on the PDP platform from Sokoto have reportedly resigned their membership of the party.

The lawmakers include Bashir Usman Gorau representing the Gada/Goronyo Federal Constituency; Umar Yusuf Yabo representing Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency; and Sa’idu Bargaja representing Isa/Sabon Birni Federal Constituency, an area described as one of the most affected by insecurity in the state.

However, the fourth lawmaker, Abdulsamad Dasuki representing Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency, is yet to announce his resignation from the PDP.

Dasuki had earlier indicated that he would not seek re-election, stating that it was time for a younger generation of leaders to take over.