Defectors Were Major Problem in Yobe PDP-Party Forum

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu 

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Yobe State has launched a defiant counter-offensive against rumours of its demise,asserting that recent high-profile defections have actually strengthened the party by removing individuals described as its major problem.

The bold claim came from Auroma Alhaji Mustapha,Chairman of the Forum of PDP 2023 Yobe State House of Assembly Candidates,during a meeting with the forum members in Damaturu. 

Mustapha addressed growing concerns about the party's health following the departure of several prominent members to other platforms,including the emerging African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.

"We know them. We have been here for a long time;we were young then, but we knew what was happening in the PDP. Both of them were always causing problems for the PDP in the state.He has contested many times,but due to selfish interests,we haven't achieved anything."said Mustapha.

The Chairman framed the departures as a cleansing,declaring,now,however,the PDP is stronger and strong enough.

"There are also rumors being spread in the media that there is no PDP in Yobe State.This is not true.We are active in our respective constituencies,"he insisted.

He emphasized the forum's deep roots, stating,"We, the members of the PDP, are the grassroots people. We are with our people. We know them, and we know who is in the PDP." He dismissed critics, affirming full support for the state and national PDP leadership.

In response to this uncertainty and the perceived opportunity presented by the departure of disruptive elements, Mustapha announced a major mobilization effort. 

Forum Chairman revealed that,they have also discussed on the need to go to their different constituencies to mobilize party members and unite them.

"We will now reach out to them to tell them that we are still in the PDP. We need to gather together and do more even more than what we did in the 2023 general election, Inshallah".

Despite the internal upheaval, Mustapha expressed strong confidence in the PDP's position as Yobe's primary opposition force against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC): "PDP is PDP, and we are the opposition party here in the Yobe State".

The Yobe PDP Forum's message is a bold attempt to reframe a period of significant challenge. By labelling the departed members as the root cause of past problems and asserting the party is now stronger and more unified without them, the forum aims to quell grassroots anxiety and reignite momentum for the 2027 elections.