Bature tells defectors they are no longer in PDP

The National Organising Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Bature, has sent a strong message to former members who have moved to other political parties. He said they no longer have any rights to call themselves PDP members.

Bature spoke in Sokoto on Saturday during a state congress led by the faction of the party aligned with Nyesom Wike. He told defectors to stop coming to PDP events and pretending to be part of the party.

He said, “They know they are not members of the PDP, so they should stop attending events as members of the PDP. They were legally removed because they had moved to another party. They should go and concentrate on their party and leave the PDP alone.”

Bature also dismissed claims that his faction is working with the All Progressives Congress. He made it clear that the focus is on building the PDP ahead of the next elections.

“If we are working for another party, why are we building structures and preparing for elections? Those making such allegations should focus on the challenges within their own parties,” he said.

He pointed out that the biggest problem for the opposition is the lack of unity.

“There is a lack of unity among the opposition, and that is very obvious,” he added.

The congress was supervised by a national team led by Ilo Attahiru. They dissolved the state’s caretaker committee and set up a new executive to run the party in Sokoto.

Through a consensus, Hayatu Tafida became the state chairman, and Ahmad Fada was elected as state secretary.

In his acceptance speech, Tafida promised to bring members together and work for the party's success.

“We appreciate the confidence reposed in us and pledge to work tirelessly for the unity, progress and success of our great party,” he said.

Also speaking was the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Abdullahi Sokoto. He called on former members and supporters who left the party to come back, assuring them of a politics focused on issues, not personal attacks.

“We are committed to politics devoid of rancour, falsehood, character assassination and unsubstantiated allegations. We shall only promise what we are capable of delivering if elected into office,” he said.

This congress takes place as leadership disputes continue within the PDP at national and state levels. Rival factions are still fighting for control of party structures after the political changes following the 2023 general elections.