The crisis in the Taraba State chapter of the All Progressives Congress escalated dramatically over the weekend after the Takum Local Government chapter expelled senator‑elect David Jimkuta. The expulsion was documented in a circular signed by 21 of the 27 local government executive members and was based on allegations of gross anti‑party activities.
In a letter dated 7 April 2023, signed by the party’s council chairman Hon. Sirajo Sallau, the expulsion was said to follow a thorough deliberation of the disciplinary committee’s report. The letter stated: “The Takum Local Government executive committee of our party, after due deliberation of the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate allegations of gross anti‑party activities against Hon. Jimkuta David as provided under article 21(B)(i)‑(vi) of the All Progressives Congress, as recommended by the disciplinary committee, found Jimkuta guilty of the allegations.” The cited anti‑party activities included sponsoring and openly campaigning for the rival People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State, denouncing the APC and its governorship candidate, and canvassing votes for the PDP and its candidate.
When contacted, senator‑elect David Jimkuta dismissed the expulsion, saying, “Those who signed the purported expulsion document are not members of the party. So, I don’t care.”
The dispute is part of a broader battle over the Taraba South senatorial ticket within the APC. Jimkuta aligns with David Sabo Kente’s camp, while the incumbent House of Representatives member for Wukari/Ibi, Usman Danjuma Shiddi, supports Senator Emmanuel Bwacha’s camp. Jimkuta previously sued Shiddi over the conduct of the primary; after losing at the trial court, he won the case at both the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court.
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