Confusion Over PDP Leadership as Dual Announcements Mar Taraba Congress
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state congress in Taraba State descended into disarray on Saturday after two separate declarations of a consensus party chairman created a significant rift among delegates and members.
According to multiple reports, the proceedings began when a member of the congress committee officially announced Dr. Victor Samuel Falack as the consensus candidate for PDP state chairman. This declaration was met with applause and apparent acceptance from many party faithful present, signaling the conclusion of the process.
However, the consensus was short-lived. A second committee member, reportedly arriving from the party’s Abuja headquarters, subsequently interrupted the meeting to announce an alternate individual as the state chairman. This reversal sparked immediate confusion and vocal dissent from the delegates, many of whom insisted that Dr. Falack had already been legitimately endorsed.
The conflicting announcements quickly escalated tensions. Aggrieved delegates, supporters of the initial candidate, protested the second declaration by storming out of the venue. Reports indicate they chanted slogans demanding respect for the earlier decision. Some attendees also questioned the legitimacy of the second nominee, describing him as unknown within the state party structure and suggesting an imposition by the committee.
Efforts by certain party officials to mediate and restore order failed as disagreements intensified. The congress concluded without a clear resolution, leaving the PDP’s leadership position in Taraba State in a state of uncertainty.
The incident highlights the persistent challenges of internal party cohesion and consensus-building within the PDP, particularly in key states like Taraba. Delegates have now called on the party’s National Working Committee to urgently intervene and clarify the authentic outcome of the congress to prevent further factionalization. The national leadership’s response is anticipated as a critical step toward resolving the dispute and stabilizing the party’s state chapter ahead of future electoral cycles.
