Former Katsina State Governor Shehu Shema gave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a 48‑hour ultimatum on Friday to rescind his suspension from the party. In the same communication, he also demanded that the party reverse its decision to dissolve the Katsina State executive committee. Shema warned that if the party failed to address both appeals within the stipulated time, he would consider himself no longer a member of the PDP.
The former governor made these declarations in a petition addressed to PDP National Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu. Dated 24 March 2023 and signed by Shema, the petition was also copied to the party’s National Legal Adviser. Copies of the petition, which the media obtained in Katsina on Friday afternoon, show that it was acknowledged and received at the PDP National headquarters in Abuja on the same day.
In the petition, Shema argued that both his suspension and the dissolution of the Katsina State executive committee contravened the party’s constitution. He highlighted his 24‑year loyalty to the PDP, noting that he serves as a member of the National Executive Council, the Board of Trustees, and the party caucus. He asserted that “the dissolution of a lawfully elected Katsina State executive committee cannot bear constitutional validity, just as my suspension from the party cannot.”
Shema cited Chapter 10 of the PDP Constitution (2017, as amended), specifically sections 56(6)(7) and 59(3), stating that the party failed to follow the required disciplinary procedures, thereby showing contempt for democracy. Accordingly, he made two appeals: (1) rescind the National Working Committee’s decision to unlawfully dissolve the duly elected Katsina State executive committee and allow it to complete its tenure, disbanding the purported caretaker committee; and (2) rescind his suspension within 48 hours.
He concluded by warning that failure to implement these changes within the 48‑hour window would constitute a formal and official withdrawal of his membership from the PDP, effective Saturday, 25 March 2023.
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