PDP Crisis Deepens in Taraba as Rival Factions Emerge Over State Leadership
A deepening internal crisis within Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated in Taraba State following the announcement of a new caretaker committee by a faction of the national leadership, a move immediately rejected by the state’s recognised executive.
The faction, aligned with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, declared the formation of a 16-member state caretaker committee on Tuesday. Chaired by Victor Falack, the committee was appointed to manage the party’s affairs in Taraba for an initial 30 days or until a new state executive is elected. The faction stated the action was taken in strict compliance with the party’s constitution, aiming to stabilise the state chapter.
However, the recognised Taraba State PDP leadership swiftly dismissed the announcement as illegitimate. In a formal statement, Media and Publicity Officer Herbert Faith Bello described the committee as “false, misleading and unauthorized.” The statement asserted that the group behind the announcement is “an unrecognized body with no constitutional standing within the Party,” accusing it of attempting to instigate confusion and tension among members.
The state chapter reiterated that its leadership, under Acting Chairman Comrade Chief Obidah Bitrus, remains the valid and constituted authority. It affirmed that the existing executive structure is intact and committed to constitutional principles and internal democracy. Party members and the public were urged to disregard the caretaker committee announcement entirely, as it does not represent the official position of the PDP in Taraba.
This public clash highlights the ongoing factional disputes within the national PDP. The competing claims leave party members and observers awaiting clarification from the party’s supreme national body on the legality and political ramifications of the dueling assertions. The standoff underscores significant challenges to the party’s cohesion in a key northern state as it prepares for future electoral contests.
