Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing an internal crisis in Taraba State following reports that the party leadership unilaterally selected candidates for the upcoming local government elections, sidelining incumbent chairmen. Sources close to the matter revealed that Governor Agbu Kefas allegedly influenced the decision, which led to the removal of 13 out of 16 serving local government council chairmen, many of whom were seeking re-election in the November polls.
Several affected chairmen, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed shock and disappointment over the lack of consultation in the selection process. “If given the opportunity, I would have loved to re-contest. I was shocked to hear that someone else had been picked to replace me without any prior discussion,” one of the displaced chairmen said.
The move has drawn criticism from party stakeholders and grassroots supporters, who view it as undemocratic and potentially damaging to the PDP’s electoral prospects. Observers fear the decision could lead to mass defections to rival political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other emerging opposition groups.
A prominent PDP chieftain, also speaking anonymously, described the development as a “major setback” for the party. “The governor’s decision to impose candidates on the people without due consultation risks weakening our grassroots structure and could alienate loyal supporters,” he warned.
In response to the backlash, the PDP’s spokesperson in Taraba, Iremeya Andeta’rang, denied allegations of imposition, insisting that the selection of candidates followed due process and wide consultation with relevant stakeholders. “There was no imposition whatsoever. The process was transparent. Just because some individuals were not re-nominated does not mean it was flawed,” Andeta’rang said.
However, the controversy has sparked concerns about the party’s ability to manage the fallout ahead of the November local government elections and the 2027 general elections. Political analysts warn that the PDP’s handling of the crisis could have far-reaching consequences for the party’s strength and electoral prospects.
