Taraba State PDP Leadership Under Fire After By-Election Defeat
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State is facing intense scrutiny following its defeat in the recent Karim 1 State Constituency by-election. The party’s chairman, Abubakar Bawa, has been criticized for his leadership, with some calling for a reevaluation of the party’s leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Jimkuta Emmanuel, a political commentator, the by-election served as a “litmus test” for Bawa’s leadership, which he failed. Despite a statewide campaign effort, the PDP was unable to secure the seat, raising concerns about the party’s electoral strength. In contrast, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Abner Shittu Dahbo, emerged victorious with a landslide win, garnering 5,895 votes.
Emmanuel attributed the APC’s success to the popularity of its candidate, who enjoys broad support from the grassroots. “The APC didn’t need to run an aggressive campaign because the people had already made their choice,” Emmanuel noted. He added that the PDP’s candidate lacked popular appeal, exposing deep internal weaknesses within the party.
The election result was met with jubilant celebrations across Karim 1, which Emmanuel described as a “wholehearted endorsement” of the APC candidate by constituents. However, he also alleged that there were election irregularities involving PDP operatives, with documentation reportedly submitted to law enforcement.
In the aftermath of the election, Emmanuel criticized Bawa’s post-election press conference, accusing him of attempting to deflect blame and attract public sympathy instead of taking responsibility for the loss. “Rather than offering excuses, the PDP chairman should have congratulated Abner Shittu and focused on urgently reorganizing the party,” Emmanuel said.
Governor Agbu Kefas has been advised to reevaluate the current PDP leadership in Taraba, with Emmanuel warning that continued reliance on ineffective leadership could jeopardize the party’s chances in the 2027 elections. “Given his background in intelligence, Governor Kefas doesn’t need a prophet to recognize that this leadership lacks the capacity to deliver,” Emmanuel stated.
As the PDP looks to regroup and reassess its strategy, it remains to be seen whether the party will take Emmanuel’s advice and make changes to its leadership. With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the stakes are high, and the party’s ability to adapt and evolve will be crucial to its success.
