PLATEAU PDP EXPERIENCES ESCALATING TENSIONS AS WIKE FACTION CONDUCTS PARALLEL CHAIRMAN ELECTION

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By: Muftau Fatimo

The internal divisions within the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have deepened after a faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, held a Congress on Tuesday, electing Peter Tongshep as a parallel chairman.

Previously, on October 25, 2025, a separate PDP faction aligned with Tanimu Turaki conducted its own Congress at the WAYE Foundation, Doi-Du, Jos, electing Chief Raymond Dabo as State Chairman, along with 38 members of the State Executive Committee (SEC), to oversee the party’s preparations for the 2027 General Elections.

On Tuesday, the Wike-aligned faction, through a consensus Congress, appointed Tongshep and 38 other executive members to manage the party’s affairs, further intensifying the ongoing leadership dispute.

he Congress, conducted under tight security with a significant deployment of personnel to maintain order and protect participants, was overseen by a seven-member delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In attendance were former Sports Ministers Damishi Sango and Musa Azi, Sarpiya Danyaro, Aminu Zang, as well as Board of Trustees members Timothy Golu and Rt. Hon. Johnbul Shekarau, alongside other prominent party leaders and stakeholders of the Wike-led PDP faction.

Speaking to journalists after the event, Dr. Samaila Rukuba, elected as the faction’s spokesperson, described the Congress as peaceful and orderly. He noted that with the conclusion of the state congresses, attention now turns to the National Convention scheduled for March 29 in Abuja.

Rukuba urged all committed PDP members in Plateau to focus on reconciliation and work toward reclaiming the party’s lost mandate.