In a significant political move, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chapters of Sokoto and Kebbi states have indicated their intentions to align with a new coalition, aimed at unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 elections. The development marks a strategic shift within the party as it looks to collaborate with like-minded groups to challenge the dominance of the APC at both state and national levels.
In Sokoto, PDP stakeholders, led by former Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, met to finalise plans to leave the party and join the newly formed coalition, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). ADA, one of over 100 political parties seeking registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), aims to create a broader platform for political collaboration.
A reliable source told The PUNCH that the decision was finalised during a key stakeholders’ meeting held last Saturday. The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the final steps were being taken to transition into the ADA and that an official announcement would soon follow. The source also mentioned the involvement of notable figures such as the National Organising Secretary of PDP, Umar Bature, and Tambuwal himself, alongside other party leaders at the meeting.
“There was a major discussion around the merger into ADA. We are finalising the process, and the announcement will come shortly,” the source revealed.
When contacted, the state Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Sokoto, Hassan Sanyinnawal, acknowledged the meeting but refrained from commenting on any possible party adoption. He clarified that the meeting was part of the usual discussions held by the party leadership, adding that no final decisions had yet been publicly disclosed.
Meanwhile, in Kebbi, PDP leaders gathered on the same Saturday to discuss strategies for rebuilding the party. Dr Ibrahim Mera, a senior party leader and elder statesman, expressed the PDP’s readiness to collaborate with any legitimate effort to oust the APC government. Mera indicated that the party was preparing for a significant congress to cement its position as a credible alternative to the current ruling party.
“We are open to joining forces with groups and political platforms aligned with our goal of rescuing Nigeria from the hardships caused by the APC government,” Mera said during a press briefing.
The Kebbi PDP also committed to strengthening its grassroots operations to build broad-based support across the state, with the aim of positioning itself for future electoral success. Usman Suru, the state PDP Chairman, called on citizens to remain hopeful, promising that the PDP would prioritise the welfare and security of Nigerians in its upcoming campaigns.
In a sharp critique of the APC administration, Gen Aminu Bande (retd), the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate in Kebbi, accused the state’s ruling party of mismanagement and political intimidation. Bande specifically condemned the alleged use of arbitrary arrests and harassment of opposition members as a means of stifling dissent.
As political manoeuvres intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, these developments in Sokoto and Kebbi signal a broader attempt by the PDP to reposition itself and forge new alliances that could challenge the APC’s grip on power in the region.
