A fresh dispute has surfaced within the Sokoto State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party as party chieftain Hassan Isma’ila insisted on Sunday that “true stakeholders” from the state are fully participating in the party’s national convention in Abuja, contrary to claims of a boycott by the state leadership.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Isma’ila dismissed reports of Sokoto delegates’ absence, calling such claims “completely false and misleading.” He affirmed that bona fide PDP members and loyalists from the state are present and engaged in all convention activities and procedures.
The comments follow earlier statements by some Sokoto PDP officials who had indicated that the state chapter would not attend the convention, citing internal disagreements within the national leadership.
Isma’ila alleged that many claiming to represent the party in Sokoto have effectively shifted allegiance to the African Democratic Congress, forfeiting the moral authority to speak for the PDP. “Most of the present executives have diluted into the fold of the ADC. Some are only in PDP as shadows while their real political roots lie elsewhere,” he claimed.
He further argued that controversy over delegate participation is misplaced, noting that the amended Electoral Act prioritizes party membership over delegate status in determining legitimacy. “The new Electoral Act has nothing to do with delegates; it is about party membership. It is therefore shameful for those dancing on a dead rat to cry for help,” Isma’ila added.
The Sokoto PDP leader urged the national leadership to disregard what he described as “noise” from Sokoto, insisting that only genuine party members are actively participating in the convention. “We are here fully involved,” he said.
The development highlights deepening factional divisions within the Sokoto PDP, with rival groups laying claim to legitimacy and representation ahead of critical party decisions expected from the convention.
Despite the wrangling, Isma’ila reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s future, stating, “We remain loyal to the PDP and are committed to working for its progress in all future engagements.”
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