2027: Goronyo abandoned PDP nine months ago — Sokoto chairman

In late 2026, Muhammad Bello Aliyu Goronyo, formerly the state chairman of Nigeria's People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto, officially resigned from the party and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This move, according to current PDP Sokoto chairman Hon. Hayatu Tafida Aminu, was not unexpected, as Goronyo had effectively left the PDP nine months prior, despite continuing to hold the title of state chairman. Aminu made these claims during a press briefing in his office, stating that Goronyo had been engaging in ADC activities while still appearing to represent the PDP publicly. Goronyo submitted his resignation to the PDP on August 30, 2026, just days before being appointed as Director-General of the ADC campaign organization for Sokoto State governorship candidate Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya. According to Aminu, this transition was merely a confirmation of Goronyo’s long-standing political alignment with the ADC, which he had been supporting covertly for several months. Aminu argued that Goronyo could not simultaneously serve as both PDP and ADC members, suggesting that his dual presence was an impossibility within the Nigerian political framework. The PDP chairman further contended that Goronyo had been operating as a de facto member of the ADC, even though he continued to identify as the PDP state chairman. He emphasized that Goronyo’s recent appointment by the ADC was not surprising given his earlier actions. Aminu criticized attempts by Goronyo’s supporters to justify his departure using a previous court ruling, which had addressed the legitimacy of different factions within the PDP in Sokoto. He rejected such interpretations, asserting that the current PDP leadership was legitimate and unchallenged. Aminu noted that the exodus of high-profile members from the PDP to other political groups indicated a broader trend of disillusionment with the party’s structure and leadership. He pointed out that many individuals who had previously aligned themselves with Goronyo’s faction were now moving away from the PDP, signaling a lack of commitment to the party ahead of the upcoming 2027 elections. Despite this, Aminu acknowledged Goronyo’s past contributions to his political career, noting that Goronyo had once been his superior in the PDP and had supported him during his early years in politics. The PDP leadership has decided not to pursue legal action against Goronyo for his resignation or subsequent involvement with the ADC. Instead, they are focusing on reinforcing the party’s organizational structure in preparation for the 2027 elections. Aminu reiterated that the PDP remains unified under the leadership of National Secretary Umaru Bature and himself, emphasizing that there are no competing factions within the party. He stressed that all necessary internal procedures had been completed, and candidates had been nominated for the upcoming elections. The political landscape in Sokoto State continues to evolve as key figures shift allegiances, reflecting deeper divisions within the PDP and the broader political environment in Nigeria. As the 2027 election cycle approaches, the stability and unity of major political parties will likely play a crucial role in shaping the electoral outcomes.