RismadarVoice Reporters
March 29, 2026
A fresh crisis has erupted within the Sokoto State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as party chieftain, Barrister Hassan Isma’ila, on Sunday dismissed claims that the state chapter boycotted the party’s ongoing national convention in Abuja.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Isma’ila insisted that “bonafide” members and stakeholders from Sokoto State were actively participating in the convention, contrary to reports suggesting otherwise.
“Bonafide PDP members and loyalists from Sokoto State are here on ground. We are fully participating in all activities and procedures of the national convention,” he said.
His remarks come amid earlier claims by some officials of the Sokoto PDP that the state chapter had withdrawn from the convention due to internal disagreements within the party’s national leadership.
However, Isma’ila described the boycott claims as “false and misleading,” alleging that individuals making such assertions no longer have the moral authority to speak for the party in the state.
According to him, several members of the state leadership have allegedly aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), thereby weakening their legitimacy within the PDP.
“Most of the present executives have diluted into the fold of the ADC. Some are only in PDP as shadows, while their real political roots lie elsewhere,” he claimed.
The PDP chieftain also downplayed the controversy over delegate participation, arguing that the amended Electoral Act prioritizes party membership over delegate status in determining legitimacy.
He urged the party’s national leadership to disregard what he described as distractions from Sokoto, maintaining that genuine party members from the state were fully involved in the convention.
“I enjoin the PDP leadership and loyalists nationwide to ignore the notion that non-members from Sokoto are here. We are here, fully involved,” he stated.
The development highlights growing factional divisions within the Sokoto PDP, with rival groups laying claim to leadership and representation ahead of key decisions expected from the convention.
Despite the internal crisis, Isma’ila reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, pledging continued commitment to its growth and future political engagements.
