The state chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party in Sokoto and Kebbi states have signified their intention to join any coalition to unseat the All Progressives Congress in 2027.

While the Sokoto PDP stakeholders, led by former governor, Aminu Tambuwal, announced that it was set to dump the party for the newly formed coalition political party, All Democratic Alliance, its Kebbi counterpart declared its readiness to align with any coalition or political alliance aimed at dislodging the APC at both the state and national levels.

The ADA is one of the 110 new political parties seeking registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission.

In Sokoto, a source told The PUNCH that the decision was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday.

The source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the party would make its official position known to the public by Monday.

“We held a crucial meeting, and the major agenda was the merger into ADA. We’re putting final touches to the arrangement, and an official announcement is expected soon.

“I can assure you that any moment from now, we will make our decision known to the press for the general public,” the source said.

He further confirmed the presence of the National Organising Secretary of the party, Umar Bature; Tambuwal, state chairman of the party, Aliyu Goronyo, among other party members at the meeting.

When contacted, the state Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state, Hassan Sanyinnawal, confirmed the stakeholders’ meeting.

He however declined to make a comment on the adoption of any party.

According to him, “Yes we held a stakeholders meeting yesterday at the house of our leader, Senator Tambuwal.

“The meeting was just our normal stakeholders’ meeting which we usually do from time to time, so no cause for alarm.”

At a meeting in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday, the PDP leaders in Kebbi State reaffirmed their commitment to rebuilding the party and offering a credible alternative to the APC.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, a party chieftain and elder statesman, Dr Ibrahim Mera, disclosed that Kebbi PDP had resolved to support all legitimate efforts to remove the APC from power.

“We are ready to collaborate with like-minded groups and political platforms committed to rescuing Nigeria from the hardship imposed by the APC-led government.

“We also agreed to fast-track preparations for the state congress, subject to the approval of the national leadership,” he said.

Mera stressed the party’s plan to strengthen its grassroots structures and mobilise wide support across the state ahead of future elections.

In his remarks, the state PDP Chairman, Usman Suru, urged citizens to remain resilient amid the prevailing economic hardship, assuring them that hope was on the horizon.

“We understand the pain our people are going through. The PDP is working to provide a better alternative that prioritises the welfare and security of all Nigerians,” he said.

The PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate in Kebbi State, Gen Aminu Bande (retd), took a swipe at the APC administration, accusing it of gross mismanagement and political intimidation.

“The current government in Kebbi State has resorted to witch-hunting opposition members through arbitrary arrests and harassment,” he alleged.