PDP’s NOS, Bature Blasts Goronyo PDP Faction in Sokoto, Demands End to Impersonation

By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi

The National Organising Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Umar Muhammad Bature, has called on party members who defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to return to the PDP, warning that the opposition’s chances of winning future elections in Sokoto State could be weakened by division.

Bature made the appeal while addressing journalists shortly after the inauguration and ratification of the new Sokoto State PDP executive committee.

“We gathered here today to reform our party,” he said. “Anyone who knows me will testify that I am not a nomadic politician”

Reflecting on the political developments that preceded the 2015 general elections, Bature recalled that he and Senator Ahmad Muhammad Maccido were among the few PDP leaders who remained in the party when several politicians defected to the APC.

“We all remember what happened in Sokoto before the 2015 elections. Only myself and Senator Ahmad Muhammad Maccido refused to join the APC while we were in the National Assembly. Before the 2019 elections, many of those who left returned to the PDP. That is why I say we are not serial defectors” he stated.

According to him, political leaders must demonstrate consistency and foresight.

“As a political leader, you are expected to see what your supporters may not see. People should not view you as someone who harbours double standard” he added.

Bature expressed concern over the emergence of the ADC, arguing that the new political platform was diverting attention from the primary task of challenging the ruling APC.

“As an opposition party, the PDP should be confronting the APC. Instead, a new coalition under the ADC has emerged and is fighting the PDP. Before it finishes fighting us, the APC may have already won the election” he said.

Urging the defectors to reconsider their decision and return to the PDP, he said “We have informed those who defected to the ADC that remaining in one party is the best solution. Defecting to the ADC only diminishes the opposition’s chances of winning elections in Sokoto State. We appeal to them to return home before the journey goes too far.”

The PDP national organizing secretary also took a swipe at the faction led by Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, warning its members against parading themselves as the authentic leadership of the party in the state.

“We are not fighting anybody, but those who claim to be the authentic PDP leadership in Sokoto should stop. A new executive has emerged and has been duly inaugurated”he said.

Bature alleged that some officials claiming to be PDP leaders were actively participating in ADC activities.

“You took an oath as PDP chairman, yet you are actively involved in ADC activities. We will no longer tolerate this. What they are doing amounts to impersonation” he declared.

He further alleged that a PDP zonal vice chairman had been regularly seen at the residence of the ADC governorship candidate receiving visitors and supporters.

“The same people participate in ADC activities and later claim they are producing candidates for the PDP. We will no longer tolerate such action” he said.

Bature maintained that the party would focus on rebuilding its structures and mobilising support ahead of future elections.

“We will come out and seek votes from the people. But first, we must put our house in order before confronting the ruling APC” he concluded.