Sokoto PDP Raises Questions Over Maccido’s Withdrawal From Senate Race

By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State has raised questions over the decision of its Sokoto North senatorial candidate, Senator Ahmed Maccido, to withdraw from the 2027 election.

Maccido, who previously represented Sokoto North in the Senate, announced his withdrawal in a letter dated September 30 and addressed to the state PDP chairman, Hon. Hayatu Tafida.

Although the former senator said the decision was voluntary and made without any external pressure, he did not disclose the reason for stepping down or reveal his next political move.

Reacting to the development, Tafida suggested that the party was not convinced that the decision was entirely without external influence. Asked if he suspected pressure from outside the party, the chairman said, “Obviously, there is”

He, however, did not provide details or evidence to support the claim.

Tafida said Maccido’s decision came as a surprise because of his political influence and support base in both Sokoto North and Sokoto South.

He also faulted the timing of the withdrawal, saying the party could face difficulties replacing him at this stage of the electoral process.

“My only grouse with him is, why didn’t he resign before this time, before the primaries? The process of changing a candidate is cumbersome, so you should have done that earlier than now to give the people room to put another candidate in” Tafida said.

The chairman explained that the state executive would first deliberate on the development before transmitting the matter to the PDP national headquarters for necessary action.

Tafida also played down speculation that Maccido’s withdrawal could trigger a wave of defections among other PDP candidates, insisting that he did not expect them to follow the former senator’s decision.