Tension in Sokoto State PDP Over Wike’s ‘Palliative’ Initiative

There is tension within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State over an alleged plan by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to distribute ‘palliatives’ to members.

The supposed gift has led some members to question his motives and others to worry about the potential impact on party unity.

The party in the state is allegedly controlled by former governor Aminu Tambuwal, a former ally turn rival of Wike.

The rivalry can be dated back to 2022 during the PDP presidential primaries. At that time, Tambuwal withdrew from the race to support Atiku Abubakar. Wike, who was also a candidate, felt betrayed by Tambuwal’s decision. This created a lasting tension between the two political figures to date.

The speculation is that Wike intends to use his palliative scheme against Tambuwal’s influence in Sokoto.

Comrade Yahaya Ibrahim, a local analyst, thinks this could be Wike’s way of settling scores with Tambuwal over the 2022 primaries. “It seems Wike is trying to create more trouble for Tambuwal at home,” he said. According to Ibrahim, this move could lead to even more factions within the already divided Sokoto PDP, potentially splitting the party into three camps: Tambuwal’s, Bafarawa’s, and Wike’s.

Other analysts suggest that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) might even be involved. Ishaq Auwal, another analyst, raised the possibility that Wike could have been encouraged by the APC leadership to weaken the PDP in Sokoto. “As a serving minister, Wike might be influenced by APC leaders to introduce this idea as a strategy to reduce PDP’s strength here,” Auwal speculated.

Recently, a support group within the PDP called the Advocacy Forum for Good Candidates shared Wike’s plans for palliative distribution.

Alhaji Ahmad Amadi, the group’s chairman—also known as ‘Oil & Gas’ in Sokoto—explained that this initiative aims to bring party members together and help prevent defections after the PDP lost the Sokoto governorship election in 2023.

“Since the loss, some big names in the party have not been supporting members, especially at the grassroots,” said Amadi. He believes that Wike’s plan is a positive step, assuring members that the intention is to strengthen the party, not to create divisions.

Amadi detailed his recent meeting with Wike, where they discussed plans to form local leadership in Sokoto’s 23 local governments. He confirmed that Wike is fully committed to supporting PDP members in the state. “I have confidence in Wike, and that’s why I am also committed to this project,” he said.

Despite Amadi’s assurances, many members of the Sokoto PDP remain sceptical.

The Sokoto PDP chairman, Alhaji Bello Aliyu Goronyo, also voiced some doubts, stating, “Politicians often have their own strategies. Only time will tell if this is about helping PDP members or something else.”

Several former members of the Sokoto State House of Assembly have also raised concerns. Hon. Abdullahi Mai Gwandu expressed that he only heard about the palliative plan through media sources, saying, “I don’t recognize some of the people who were present when the news broke.” Another former lawmaker, Hon. Abubakar Chika Sokoto, said that while he hasn’t seen evidence of the initiative, “In politics, anything is possible.”