The political landscape in Sokoto State has shifted as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Hayatu Tafida Aminu, has alleged that Muhammad Bello Aliyu Goronyo, the party's former state chairman, effectively left the PDP about nine months prior to his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Goronyo made headlines with his resignation letter dated August 30, 2026, which formally announced his exit from the PDP and his appointment as the Director-General of the ADC campaign organization for their governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya. However, Aminu claims this move was merely a formalization of Goronyo's long-standing disengagement from the PDP, as he had reportedly been engaging in ADC activities while still holding the position of PDP state chairman.

In a statement to journalists, Aminu expressed that Goronyo's actions were inconsistent with the principles of party loyalty. "Bello Goronyo was the former chairman of the PDP, but he left the party about nine months ago because, in the Nigerian context, he cannot be in two parties at the same time," Aminu stated, emphasizing that Goronyo had been acting as a "de facto" member of the ADC.

Aminu further elaborated that Goronyo's appointment within the ADC was anticipated by the PDP leadership, as it confirmed suspicions about his political affiliations over the past months. He criticized Goronyo for attending ADC events while still representing himself as the PDP chairman, calling it a conflict of interest.

The PDP chairman also addressed claims from Goronyo's camp regarding a court judgment that purportedly questioned the legitimacy of the current PDP leadership in Sokoto. Aminu dismissed these arguments as mere interpretations by Goronyo's supporters, challenging them to explain the recent departures of several prominent members to other political parties.

Despite the tension, Aminu acknowledged Goronyo's past contributions to his political career, recalling that Goronyo had once been his superior within the PDP. "Unfortunately for the leadership of Bello, he was my boss actually, because I was in the PDP before under his leadership when we were together," Aminu remarked.

Looking ahead, Aminu confirmed that the PDP would not pursue legal action against Goronyo or others who have left the party, opting instead to focus on strengthening their organizational structure in preparation for the upcoming 2027 elections. He asserted the unity of the PDP under his leadership, stating, "We have not had and we do not intend to take any legal action against him or the other people of the so-called PDP."

Aminu concluded by reaffirming the integrity of the PDP structure, indicating that the party has completed its internal processes and has already submitted its candidates for the forthcoming elections. "The PDP is one, under the leadership of Umaru Bature, who is our National Secretary, and I, Hayatu Tafida, as the chairman. We do not have any other faction of the PDP," he declared.