Former Senator representing Sokoto East, Abubakar Gada, on Saturday officially returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending weeks of speculation about his political future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a gathering of supporters in Sokoto, Gada accused former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of undermining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state due to a “lack of leadership commitment.”
“My humble self and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal were considered the leaders to drive the party in the state. But leadership means identifying with the people, showing commitment, and taking responsibility. For six months, we raised the hope and tempo of the party, but he refused to come and sit down with us to build it,” Gada said.
He further criticized Tambuwal’s political stance, alleging it caused confusion among supporters.
“You cannot be talking to APC on one hand, being promoted as a vice-presidential option for Peter Obi on the other hand, and still refuse to register or allow your followership to register in ADC. This level of contradiction is not partnership for progress,” he added.
Gada explained that Tambuwal’s absence left the ADC “in limbo”, prompting his decision to return to PDP.
“We had to take destiny into our hands by returning to PDP,” he declared.
He also accused Tambuwal of political ingratitude, highlighting his rise from Speaker of the House of Representatives to two-term governor.
Supporters Rally Behind Gada
PDP supporters at the event celebrated Gada’s return, urging him to contest the 2027 governorship election. Hamza Yabo described the move as “a turning point” for the party, while Alhaji Hamza Gatawa said, “The process of reclaiming the party has begun.”
Hajia Mariam Kabi called on women and youth to support Gada, urging young voters to register and participate in the upcoming elections.
PDP State Chapter Reacts
In a swift response, the Sokoto State chapter of PDP denied knowledge of Gada’s return. The party’s publicity secretary, Hassan Sayinnawal, dismissed the move as “a joke”, stating that no official process had been followed.
“We are not aware of his coming to PDP. Nobody received him, and even in his ward and local government, they are not aware of his coming. As the state publicity secretary of PDP, I can tell you he is not in our register at the ward, local government, state, or national level,” Sayinnawal said.
The development adds another twist to Sokoto State’s political landscape as parties begin preparations for the 2027 elections.