From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Yobe State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the party’s recent congresses, calling on the national leadership to intervene urgently.
At a press briefing held in Damaturu on Friday, the PDP Legal Adviser in Yobe State, Barrister Ahmed Warizi, joined by local government party chairmen and members of the State Working Committee, expressed deep dissatisfaction over the conduct of the internal elections.
“The PDP has its own constitution and guidelines,” Warizi stated. “And according to the constitution, which is supreme over all members and activities of the party, there must be inclusive participation of all card-carrying members at every level.”
He criticized the process of the congresses conducted across the 17 local government areas of the state, describing them as lacking in transparency and inclusivity.
“Unfortunately, all eyes are on Yobe State, especially since the acting national chairman of the PDP is from here,” he said. “We should be setting a role model example for other chapters, but instead, we are being sidelined.”
Also speaking at the briefing, Abdullahi Shuaibu, PDP Chairman of Potiskum Local Government and ALGON Chairman for the 17 LGAs of the party, expressed frustration over the exclusion of core members from key decisions.
“The congresses held on May 8 and 13, 2025, were carried out without our knowledge or involvement,” he said. “We are bonafide, card-carrying members of the party and deserve to be carried along in all party affairs, especially in matters as crucial as congresses.”
Shuaibu lamented that despite the unwavering support shown by members in Yobe for the acting national chairman, they felt betrayed by the current handling of internal processes.
He called on the national secretariat to urgently investigate the issues and ensure that all irregularities are addressed.
Barrister Warizi also warned that the upcoming 2027 general elections would be among the most challenging in Nigeria’s history, stressing the need for internal unity and adherence to due process.
In response to the allegations, the outgoing state party chairman, Ambassador Umar El-Gash, maintained that the notification for the congresses was duly disseminated through established party communication channels.
He acknowledged the right of aggrieved members to appeal within the framework of the party’s constitution.
The unfolding developments have cast a shadow over the PDP’s unity and readiness in Yobe State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political observers say the national leadership’s response to the complaints could have far-reaching implications for the party’s future in the region.