Sokoto PDP Chairman Reacts to Former Chair's Switch to ADC

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Sokoto State, Hayatu Tafida Aminu, has dismissed the defection of the former state chairman, Muhammad Bello Aliyu Goronyo, to the African Democratic Congress. Aminu called this move “not a surprise.”

Goronyo resigned from the PDP on August 30, 2026. Just hours later, he was named Director-General of the campaign team for the ADC governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya.

Aminu spoke with journalists in his office on Tuesday. He claimed that Goronyo had left the PDP months before his official resignation. He accused Goronyo of acting as an ADC member while still serving as PDP chairman.

“Bello Goronyo was the former chairman of the PDP, but he left the party about nine months ago. In Nigeria, you cannot belong to two parties at the same time,” Aminu said.

“He was acting like a member of ADC while still presenting himself as chairman of the PDP, which is not possible.”

Aminu also said that Goronyo’s new role as ADC campaign DG only made official what he called an ongoing political relationship between Goronyo and the opposition.

“Goronyo has always been loyal to ADC, but he was hiding it. He attended ADC events while pretending to be PDP chairman,” he alleged.

The PDP chairman stated that the long-standing crisis in the Sokoto PDP is over. He insisted that his leadership controls the real structure of the party in the state.

He mentioned that the party has rebuilt its structures from the ward level. They conducted internal elections and produced candidates for the 2027 elections.

According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission has recognized the candidates from his faction. He said this proves that the electoral body acknowledges his group.

“Fortunately, INEC uploaded our candidates as the real members of the PDP. Everyone can see it at the INEC offices,” he said.

Aminu rejected claims from Goronyo’s faction that a court ruling did not recognize either group as the true PDP structure in the state.

“That is their own argument and their own view of the judgment,” he said.

“But if they think they are the real party, why is he leaving? Why are they going?”

He also pointed out that other notable members linked to Goronyo’s faction have moved to different political parties. He argued that this shows they have left the PDP.

Despite the rising political tensions, Aminu said the PDP will not take legal action against Goronyo for his resignation or new role with the ADC.

“We do not plan to take any legal action against him or others who claim to be PDP,” he said.

The chairman acknowledged Goronyo’s past impact on his political journey, referring to him as his former boss.

“He was my boss. I was in the PDP under his leadership when we worked together. I even contested under his leadership then,” Aminu said.

Aminu insisted that Goronyo’s exit will not weaken the PDP before the 2027 elections. He said the party remains united under his leadership.

“The PDP is one, under the leadership of Umaru Bature, our National Secretary, and me, Hayatu Tafida, as chairman. We do not have any other faction of the PDP,” he stated.

Goronyo’s resignation and his quick appointment as Dan’Iya’s campaign DG add to the shifting political scene ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Sokoto State. This could change the political landscape as parties look to strengthen their positions and bring in key figures for the election.