Defectors no longer PDP members, Bature warns

Former members of Nigeria's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who have defected to other political platforms have lost their right to claim membership, according to Umar Bature, the PDP's National Organizing Secretary. Bature issued a stern warning on Saturday, urging these individuals to cease attending PDP functions and presenting themselves as party members.

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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. They should go and concentrate on their party and leave the PDP alone.

Speaking at a state congress in Sokoto, organized by a faction aligned with Nyesom Wike, Bature stated, "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. They should go and concentrate on their party and leave the PDP alone."

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If we are working for another party, why are we building structures and preparing for elections? Those making such allegations should focus on the challenges within their own parties.

Bature also addressed accusations that his faction was working in the interest of the ruling All Progressives Congress. He refuted these claims, asserting that the group's primary objective is to consolidate the PDP's strength in preparation for future elections. "If we are working for another party, why are we building structures and preparing for elections? Those making such allegations should focus on the challenges within their own parties," he remarked, highlighting perceived disunity among opposition parties.

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We appreciate the confidence reposed in us and pledge to work tirelessly for the unity, progress and success of our great party.

The congress saw the dissolution of the state's caretaker committee and the inauguration of a new executive. Hayatu Tafida emerged as the state chairman through a consensus arrangement, pledging to unite members and reposition the party. The PDP governorship candidate in Sokoto, Abdullahi Sokoto, appealed to former members to return, promising issue-driven politics free from personal attacks. This event occurs amidst ongoing internal leadership disputes within the PDP at national and state levels, stemming from political realignments after the 2023 general elections.

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We are committed to politics devoid of rancour, falsehood, character assassination and unsubstantiated allegations. We shall only promise what we are capable of delivering if elected into office.