The Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday launched an e-registration and sensitisation drive in Sokoto State, targeting expanded membership and improved data integrity, even as concerns surfaced over the absence of party executives at the event.
The exercise, held at Dankeni Guest House, is part of the party’s nationwide effort to digitise its membership register and strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of upcoming elections.
When quizzed on why members of the state executive council were absent, a former Commissioner for Water Resources, Dahiru Yusuf Yabo, attributed the development to recent political realignments.
“The leadership that produced the current executives has moved to another platform, but asked them to remain in PDP while staying away from its activities. That explains their absence,” he said.
Yabo, however, dismissed suggestions that the development signalled weakness within the party.
“The PDP remains a strong and formidable platform. We are mobilising and repositioning across the country,” he added.
Speaking on national party dynamics, Yabo referenced the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, noting that political alliances are not unusual.
“Wike has not denied his membership of PDP. Alignments happen in politics, but the focus should be on strengthening the party,” he said.
Also addressing journalists, a former aide to ex-governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Hayyatu Tafida, said the e-registration system was introduced to enhance transparency and eliminate duplication.
“It captures complete details of members, making it impossible for anyone to misuse another person’s identity,” she said.
He explained that the digital process works alongside the traditional system.
“After registering electronically, members are still documented at the ward level for record purposes. It is a continuous exercise,” he added.
Another party stakeholder, Hadiza Abubakar, said the sensitisation campaign was aimed at bridging the digital gap, especially among grassroots members.
“We are training facilitators who will go back to their communities to help others register. The aim is to reach as many people as possible,” she said.
Hadiza also rejected claims of factionalisation within the party.
“There is no faction in the PDP. We have one recognised leadership and we are fully prepared for elections,” she stated.
She dismissed speculation that the party may not field candidates in future elections.
“That is not correct. PDP will present candidates and is working seriously towards the elections,” she said.
The PDP’s digital membership drive underscores its ongoing efforts to rebuild and consolidate its base, even as internal shifts continue to shape the party’s structure in states like Sokoto.
