The National Organising Secretary of the (PDP) Peoples Democratic Party , Umar Bature, has declared that individuals who abandoned the party for other political platforms no longer have any standing within the organisation and should refrain from portraying themselves as members.
Bature made this position known on Saturday in Sokoto during a state congress convened by a faction of the party associated with Nyesom Wike. Addressing delegates and supporters, he maintained that anyone who had officially joined another political group had automatically relinquished membership of the PDP.
According to him, former members who defected should no longer participate in party meetings, gatherings or activities under the PDP identity, stressing that their political allegiance now lies elsewhere.
He argued that the party’s constitution and political practice make it clear that membership cannot be retained after crossing over to another organisation. He therefore urged defectors to channel their efforts into strengthening their new political homes instead of attempting to remain involved in PDP affairs.
Bature rejected narratives suggesting that the faction he belongs to was operating to benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He insisted that the group’s commitment remains firmly rooted in rebuilding and repositioning the PDP for future political contests.
Questioning the basis of such accusations, he said a group genuinely working for another party would not be investing time and resources into developing structures, mobilising supporters and preparing for upcoming elections under the PDP banner.
He added that critics should direct attention to resolving issues within their own political circles instead of making claims intended to distract from internal challenges.
Speaking further, Bature identified lack of cohesion among opposition groups as one of the biggest obstacles confronting their collective political strength.
He observed that divisions and competing interests among opposition parties continue to weaken efforts aimed at presenting a united front and creating stronger electoral competition.
The congress, which was conducted under the supervision of a national delegation headed by Ilo Attahiru, produced a new leadership structure for the Sokoto chapter of the party.
As part of decisions reached during the gathering, the existing caretaker arrangement overseeing party activities in the state was dissolved and replaced with a fresh executive council.
Through a consensus process accepted by participants, Hayatu Tafida emerged as chairman of the state chapter, while Ahmad Fada secured the position of state secretary.
Responding after his emergence, Tafida expressed appreciation for the trust placed in the new leadership and assured members that efforts would be focused on restoring unity and strengthening party operations.
He pledged that the executive would work diligently to promote cooperation among members and position the party for greater political relevance.
Also addressing attendees, the PDP governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Abdullahi Sokoto, extended an invitation to former members and supporters who had exited the party to reconsider their decision and return.
He assured them that the party intended to promote issue-based engagement and discourage hostility, misinformation and personal attacks in political discourse.
The congress took place against the backdrop of ongoing disagreements within the PDP at national and state levels, as competing blocs continue to struggle for influence and control following political developments that emerged after the 2023 general elections.
