The Sokoto chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has dismissed the resignation of its ex-chairman, Bello Goronyo, insisting that he ceased to be the party’s leader nine months ago.

Its chairman, Hayatu Tafida, stated this at a press conference on Tuesday in Sokoto.

Mr Tafida said Mr Goronyo’s letter of resignation dated August 30 was belated and held no consequence for the party.

He insisted the former chairman lost his position after the court ruling against the Kabiru Turaki-led faction, after which the party held fresh congresses across the state.

According to him, the PDP has since held ward, local government, and state congresses that produced new leaders and structures in Sokoto.

“We want to make it clear that Goronyo is no longer the chairman of PDP in Sokoto. He left us nine months ago after the court judgment and the emergence of new executives,” Mr Tafida declared.

The PDP chairman also refuted insinuations that the party was dead in the state, stressing that the PDP remained strong and would bounce back ahead of the 2027 elections.

He expressed confidence that with unity and reorganisation, the party would emerge victorious at the polls and reclaim its relevance in Sokoto politics.

Mr Tafida commended the leader of the party in the state, Umar Bature, for what he described as “pragmatic leadership” in steering the affairs of the PDP during a challenging period.

Mr Goronyo cited “personal reasons” for his resignation. Barely 24 hours later, he was announced as the campaign director of the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto. Mr Goronyo was appointed director-general of the ADC’s 2027 governorship election campaign in Sokoto.

Mr Tafida further criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress for allegedly failing to justify the huge allocations it receives from the federation account. He urged the APC administration to focus on policies that directly improve citizens’ lives.

(NAN)