Former Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has officially resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to dedicate his efforts to the newly established Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative (NSYEI). The non-governmental organization, launched in late 2024 at Arewa House in Kaduna, aims to address youth unemployment and promote self-reliance.
Bafarawa, who served two terms as Sokoto State Governor, submitted his resignation letter to PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagun, on January 8, 2025. The PDP national office formally received the letter on January 13.
In the letter shared with journalists in Sokoto, Bafarawa explained his reasons for leaving the party. “My decision to resign is to avoid a conflict of interest between my membership in the PDP and my leadership of the Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative,” he wrote.
Bafarawa expressed his commitment to youth empowerment. “I will now focus my attention on creating awareness for youth entrepreneurship and empowerment initiatives aimed at making them self-productive, reducing redundancy, and fostering self-reliance,” he added.
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Pledges Goodwill to PDP
Despite his resignation, Bafarawa extended his goodwill to the PDP, stating, “I wish the People’s Democratic Party and its leadership the very best in all their future endeavours.”
He also expressed gratitude for his time in the party. “I appreciate the opportunity given to me to contribute my quota to the development of the party as a card-carrying member,” he said.
Bafarawa was a prominent figure in the PDP, providing significant support during Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s successful re-election campaign in 2019. This followed a political fallout with his former mentor, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako, who is also the Sarkin Yamman Sokoto.
New Focus on Youth Empowerment
The Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative (NSYEI), co-founded by Bafarawa, seeks to tackle pressing issues affecting northern Nigeria’s youth, including unemployment and economic redundancy.
“This initiative is not just a project but a mission to ensure our young people can stand on their own feet and contribute meaningfully to society,” Bafarawa emphasized.
Political analysts see Bafarawa’s move as a strategic shift from partisan politics to social impact, marking a new chapter in his public service career.