Executive members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the 17 local government areas of Yobe State have accused the state leadership of violating the party’s constitution during the recently concluded ward and local government congresses.
Addressing journalists at a press conference on Friday at the Olive Petal Hotel in Damaturu, the aggrieved members alleged that the state executive council conducted the May 8 and May 13, 2025, congresses without due process, sidelining grassroots stakeholders and breaching internal democratic protocols.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the PDP State Legal Adviser, Barrister Ahmad Idriss Waziri, described the actions of the state leadership as unconstitutional and undemocratic.
“The PDP Constitution is supreme and binding on all members,” Waziri stated. “Unfortunately, what transpired during the ward and local government congresses was a clear breach of that constitution.”
He alleged that key stakeholders, including card-carrying members, ward executives, and local government executives from all 17 LGAs, were deliberately excluded from participating in the congresses.
“This exclusion has created widespread discontent among loyal party members who feel their rights have been trampled upon,” he said.
“The congresses were hijacked by a few individuals within the state executive council, sidelining statutory delegates and undermining the democratic process.”
Waziri called on the zonal and national leadership of the party to urgently intervene before the upcoming state congress slated for May 17, 2025.
“We are calling on the national body to ensure transparency and fairness in the next phase of the process,” he said.
“If this is not addressed, it could spell deeper divisions within the party and threaten our chances in future elections.”
Other executives who spoke at the briefing echoed similar concerns, warning that continued marginalization of grassroots members could erode trust and weaken the PDP’s political base in Yobe.
In response, the outgoing PDP State Chairman, Ambassador Umar El-Gash, defended the party’s conduct, stating that official notices were duly communicated through recognized party channels.
“Due process was followed, and notifications were sent via official platforms,” El-Gash said.
“However, any aggrieved members have the right to seek redress through appropriate party mechanisms.”
