UPDATED: Confusion over ‘defection’ of Tambuwal’s deputy

There’s confusion over the reported defection of Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, Deputy Governor of Sokoto State.

Earlier on Thursday, a letter in which Dan’iya tendered his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) went viral on social media.

In the letter, which was authenticated by one of the deputy governor’s aides, Dan’iya reportedly informed the PDP Chairman of Kware Ward, Kware Local Government Area of Sokoto of his defection.

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The letter read: “I write to notify you of withdrawal of my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with effect from 8th February 2023.

“I appreciate the opportunities given to me, which made me serve in various capacities under the PDP,” he wrote.

But hours later, Aminu Abdullahi Abubakar, spokesman to the Deputy Governor, told Daily Trust that his principal is still a member of the PDP.

He subsequently issued a statement on the issue.

“Our attention has been drawn to a letter purportedly issued in Sokoto that the Sokoto State Deputy Governor Hon. Manir Dan’iya stating had resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“This is untrue and a blatant lie. Hon. Manir Dan’iya is still a bonafide member of the PDP, to which he reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty and support,” Abubakar said.

Meanwhile, at the ongoing rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto, Senator Aliyu Wammakko, leader of the APC in the state, announced that Dan’iya had joined the APC.

He said the Deputy Governor was now with the party and would work for its success in the elections.

However, Dan’iya was not among the decampees that President Muhammadu Buhari welcomed to the APC.

The Deputy Governor is the senatorial candidate of PDP in Sokoto-North zone. He had made a move to succeed Governor Aminu Tambuwal but the governor pitched his tent with Sa’idu Umar, former Secretary to the State Government, who eventually emerged the PDP candidate.

Tambuwal is the Director-General of  the Presidential Campaign of Atiku Abubakar, the party’s flagbearer in the election.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the contradiction from different aides of the Deputy Governor