Sokoto PDP crisis deepens as factions nominate separate candidates and executives.

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

The internal crisis within the Sokoto State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified, as rival factions have each announced separate governorship candidates and formed parallel state executive committees in preparation for upcoming elections.

This development underscores the ongoing fragmentation of the opposition party in the state, with each faction claiming recognition from the PDP’s national leadership.

One faction, reportedly aligned with the camp of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, convened in Sokoto on Saturday. It announced Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi Sokoto as its governorship candidate and inaugurated a new state executive committee headed by Alhaji Aminu Hayatu Tafida. The ceremony was reportedly overseen by a representative of the party’s national headquarters, Alhaji Mustapha Borodo.

Attendees included PDP National Organizing Secretary Umar Muhammad Bature and a former member of the House of Representatives from the Sokoto North/Sokoto South Federal Constituency.

Addressing the gathering, Bature stated that the leadership dispute would be resolved in court, noting that a judgment expected on 11 July 2026 would determine the authentic leadership of the party in the state.

In contrast, a rival faction loyal to former presidential aspirant Tanimu Turaki rejected the outcome of the gathering and insisted that its structure remains the legitimate PDP leadership in Sokoto State.

The Turaki‑aligned group had earlier endorsed Alhaji Mustapha Shehu Sokoto as its governorship candidate. He is a former Chairman of Sokoto North Local Government and a former Chairman of the Sokoto State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

Speaking on behalf of the faction, its chairman Alhaji Bello Aliyu Goronyo dismissed the parallel congress and inauguration, asserting that his executive remains the duly constituted leadership of the party in the state.

Goronyo said the current executive was elected and inaugurated in October 2024 for a tenure running until October 2028, and that any other group claiming authority lacks legal recognition.

He further maintained that actions taken by rival factions, including candidate endorsements and executive appointments, are not binding on the party.

Political observers note that the emergence of parallel structures and competing candidates reflects the depth of the PDP’s internal divisions in Sokoto State. The outcome of ongoing legal processes is expected to play a key role in determining the party’s leadership direction ahead of future elections.

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