By Hammajoda Salihijo
The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has taken a dramatic turn, as the party’s Social Media Chairman, Abubakar Muhammad Dalibi, publicly congratulated Hon. Ahmed Yayari on his receipt of a certificate of return while launching a scathing attack on the legitimacy of a rival recognition associated with Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.
Dalibi, a vocal figure within the faction loyal to the Turaki-led leadership of the PDP in the state, described Yayari’s emergence as a victory for “authentic party structure, due process, and the will of genuine stakeholders.” According to him, the certificate issued to Yayari represents the only lawful and credible outcome of the party’s internal processes.
In a strongly worded statement, Dalibi did not mince words in rejecting claims tied to Pantami’s camp, alleging that the certificate being paraded in that regard is “nothing but a fabrication designed to mislead the public and undermine party integrity.” He characterized it as a “scam,” insisting that it lacks both procedural backing and institutional legitimacy.
“This is not just about a piece of paper,” Dalibi stated. “It is about the soul of the PDP in Gombe State. We will not stand by and allow impostors to hijack the party through dubious means. The certificate recognized by the Turaki-led leadership is the only valid one, and Hon. Ahmed Yayari is the rightful beneficiary.”
The statement underscores the deepening factional divide within the PDP in Gombe, where parallel claims to leadership and legitimacy have continued to generate tension. Observers note that the public endorsement of Yayari and the outright dismissal of Pantami’s recognition signals an escalation in what has become a full-blown intra-party confrontation.
Political analysts warn that such public exchanges risk further weakening the PDP’s cohesion in the state, especially as preparations intensify ahead of future electoral contests. The inability of party leaders to reconcile competing interests could create openings for rival parties to consolidate their influence.
However, Dalibi and his allies appear undeterred. Framing the moment as a battle for the party’s credibility, he called on members to “remain steadfast and aligned with the authentic leadership,” emphasizing that “truth and legitimacy will ultimately prevail over deception.”
As the controversy unfolds, all eyes remain on the PDP’s national leadership and whether it will intervene decisively to resolve the Gombe impasse or allow the crisis to continue simmering with potentially far-reaching political consequences.
