PDP Crisis Deepens as Bature Declares Defectors Strangers

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is once again grappling with internal divisions as its National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, issued a stern warning to former members who defected to rival parties. Speaking in Sokoto during a factional congress, Bature insisted that those who left the PDP have forfeited all rights to identify with the opposition party.

Defectors Told to Stay Away
Bature’s remarks were direct. He stressed that defectors should stop attending PDP functions or presenting themselves as members. According to him, once individuals cross over to another political platform, they lose every legal and moral claim to PDP membership.

“They know they are not members of the PDP, so they should stop attending events as members of the PDP. They were legally removed because they had moved to another party,” he said.

Allegations of APC Links Rejected
The PDP chieftain also dismissed claims that his faction was secretly working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He argued that the faction’s efforts to build structures and prepare for elections prove its loyalty to the PDP. “If we are working for another party, why are we building structures and preparing for elections?” he asked.

Disunity Remains the Party’s Weakness
Bature acknowledged that the opposition’s greatest challenge is internal disunity. He noted that rival factions continue to weaken the PDP’s ability to present a united front against the APC. His comments highlight the ongoing struggle within the party to reconcile differences that have lingered since the 2023 general elections.

Sokoto Congress Reshapes Leadership
The Sokoto congress, supervised by a national delegation led by Ilo Attahiru, dissolved the caretaker committee and inaugurated a new executive. Through consensus, Hayatu Tafida emerged as state chairman, while Ahmad Fada was elected state secretary.

In his acceptance speech, Tafida pledged to unite members and reposition the party. “We appreciate the confidence reposed in us and pledge to work tirelessly for the unity, progress and success of our great party,” he said.

Call for Return of Former Members
Despite Bature’s warning, PDP governorship candidate Abdullahi Sokoto extended an olive branch to defectors. He urged them to return, promising a politics of issues rather than personal attacks. Sokoto assured supporters that his campaign would avoid rancour, falsehood, and character assassination.

“We shall only promise what we are capable of delivering if elected into office,” he said. His appeal contrasted sharply with Bature’s uncompromising stance, underscoring the tension between reconciliation and exclusion within the PDP.

Broader Implications
The congress reflects the larger crisis facing the PDP nationwide. Leadership disputes, factional alignments, and defections have left the party struggling to maintain cohesion. While some leaders push for reconciliation, others insist on drawing firm lines against defectors.

The outcome in Sokoto may serve as a test case for how the PDP handles internal disputes across other states. If unity efforts succeed, the party could regain momentum. If divisions persist, the PDP risks further weakening its position as Nigeria’s main opposition force.

Bature’s declaration that defectors are no longer PDP members has sharpened the party’s internal debate. His warning signals a tougher approach to discipline, while other voices within the party continue to call for reconciliation. As the PDP prepares for future elections, the balance between exclusion and inclusion will determine whether it emerges stronger or remains fractured.