The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State has rejected a directive from the party’s national leadership that dissolved its state executive committee, calling the action unconstitutional and without legal foundation.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Jungudu Mohammed, the PDP’s national headquarters announced the immediate dissolution of the Sokoto State executive committee. The notice also appointed a 15‑member caretaker committee to manage party affairs in the state, naming Hayatu Tafida as chairman and Ahmed S. Pawa as secretary.
Sokoto State PDP Chairman Bello Goronyo responded sharply, asserting that the state executive remains the legitimate leadership of the party. Goronyo contended that the committee was elected in accordance with the party’s constitution and cannot be dissolved unilaterally. “When I saw the statement, I laughed because you cannot simply dissolve an elected executive. It cannot be done in that manner,” he said. “We were duly elected into office, and only a court of law has the authority to remove us. Therefore, we remain the legitimate leaders of the PDP in Sokoto State.”
The dispute unfolds against a backdrop of a broader leadership crisis within the PDP at the national level, which is currently being contested before the Supreme Court. While the Supreme Court case concerns the overall control of the party’s national structure, Goronyo maintained that the ongoing litigation does not affect the tenure of the Sokoto State executive committee.
Party observers note that the PDP’s constitution provides for the removal of state executives only through due process, typically involving internal tribunals or judicial intervention. The national leadership’s move to install a caretaker committee without adhering to these procedures raises questions about internal governance and the balance of power between the national and state tiers of the organization.
The Sokoto State committee has indicated that it may seek legal redress to challenge the dissolution, though no formal court filing has been reported as of this writing. Meanwhile, the caretaker committee appointed by the national office has begun assuming functional responsibilities in the state, including coordinating upcoming electoral activities.
The outcome of this confrontation could have implications for the PDP’s cohesion ahead of forthcoming national and state elections. If the state executive’s challenge succeeds, it may reinforce the autonomy of state structures within the party. Conversely, validation of the national leadership’s action could set a precedent for more centralized control over state branches.
Both sides have called for calm and urged party members to focus on their collective political objectives while the legal and constitutional issues are resolved. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the parties prepare to present their arguments before the courts.
