By Lateef Ibrahim with agency report
The leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State took a new turn during the weekend as a faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, inaugurated a fresh state executive committee while dismissing a rival group as lacking legal standing.
The development underscores the continuing struggle for control of the party’s structure in the state ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The faction conducted a state congress in Sokoto during which new party officials were elected and subsequently sworn into office. The exercise was reportedly monitored by representatives from the PDP National Secretariat and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Leading the delegation from the party’s national leadership, Abubakar Bawa-Kalgo described the congress as free, transparent and consistent with the provisions of the PDP constitution.
As part of the process, the existing caretaker committee was dissolved, paving the way for the inauguration of a substantive executive committee to oversee the party’s affairs in the state.
The newly inaugurated leadership is headed by Hayatu Tafida as State Chairman, alongside other officials tasked with repositioning the party ahead of future political contests.
Beyond the inauguration, the event became a platform for renewed attacks on a rival PDP faction in the state led by Tanimu Turaki, with speakers insisting that the group no longer possesses any legal authority to act on behalf of the party.
PDP governorship candidate Abubakar Abdullahi argued that the faction’s claim to leadership had been invalidated following a Supreme Court judgment that nullified the convention from which it derived its authority.
He questioned the basis upon which members of the rival camp continued to present themselves as the authentic leadership of the PDP despite the court’s decision.
The challenge was echoed by the PDP National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, who called on members of the opposing faction to cease what he described as the unlawful occupation of party offices and the impersonation of legitimate officials.
While appealing for unity among party members, Bature maintained that only the newly inaugurated executive committee enjoys recognition from the national leadership of the party.
The exchange of accusations highlights the lingering divisions within the PDP in Sokoto, where competing groups continue to battle for control of the party structure and political machinery.
Political observers believe the outcome of the leadership contest could significantly influence the party’s preparedness and electoral prospects in the state ahead of the next election cycle.
In his acceptance speech, the new State Chairman, Hayatu Tafida, pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him, assuring members that the executive would work towards strengthening the PDP and expanding its support base across Sokoto State.
The inauguration is expected to intensify discussions over who legitimately controls the PDP structure in Sokoto, as rival factions continue to stake competing claims to authority within the opposition party.
