PDP faction backed by Wike launches new executive committee in Sokoto

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State that aligns with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has inaugurated a new state executive committee in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

The new executives were elected during a congress held in Sokoto under the supervision of PDP National Secretariat officials and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Abubakar Bawa‑Kalgo, who led the delegation, said the exercise was transparent and in accordance with the party’s constitution.

He also dissolved the state caretaker committee before installing the newly elected officials and urged them to remain accountable and dedicated to their duties.

The newly formed executive committee is headed by Hayatu Tafida as State Chairman. Other members include Ahmad S. Fawa as Secretary, Bello Bashir as Treasurer, Abdulkadir Gidadawa as Youth Leader, Murtala Muhammad as Auditor, Hadiza Abubakar as Women Leader, and Buhari Sidi‑Attahiru as Publicity Secretary.

PDP governorship candidate Abubakar Abdullahi congratulated the new officials at the event and urged them to work for the party’s growth in the state.

Abdullahi also challenged the faction led by Tanimu Turaki, asking them to stop presenting themselves as the legitimate leadership of the party, noting that the convention that produced them had been nullified by the Supreme Court.

“How can a group invited to convene a national convention in a state previously governed by one of its members continue to claim the leadership of our party after the Supreme Court nullified the convention?” he asked.

PDP National Organising Secretary Umar Bature called for unity among members to strengthen the party’s prospects in Sokoto State, while insisting that the rival faction lacks legal recognition.

“I call on those claiming to be the leaders of PDP in Sokoto to stop doing so. You should shut that office to avoid impersonating the legitimate party leadership,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, newly inaugurated State Chairman Hayatu Tafida thanked party members for their confidence and pledged to work diligently to advance the party’s interests in the state.