PDP Crisis Deepens as Party Suspends Wike-Aligned Chairman

PDP Crisis Deepens as Party Suspends Wike-Aligned Chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended Peter Tongshep, a factional chairman in Plateau State aligned with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, further intensifying the party’s internal leadership crisis.

Tongshep, who was elected last Tuesday alongside 38 other executives during a parallel congress, had previously served as PDP chairman in Mikang Local Government Area and as the party’s Southern Zone Vice Chairman. His emergence was backed by prominent Wike loyalists, including Damishi Sango, Musa I. Azi, as well as Board of Trustees members Timothy Golu and Johnbul Shekarau.

The Plateau State chapter of the PDP announced Tongshep’s one-month suspension on Thursday, citing alleged anti-party activities and violations of the party’s constitution.

In a statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Choji Felix Dalyop, the party said the suspension was approved by the State Working Committee under Section 57(1) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).

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According to the statement, Tongshep’s actions contravened Sections 58(1)(i) and (j), which deal with misconduct and actions capable of bringing the party into disrepute.

“During the suspension period, Tongshep is barred from functioning in his role as Southern Zone Vice Chairman of the PDP in Plateau State,” the statement noted.

The PDP further disclosed that the case has been referred to its Disciplinary Committee in Jos for investigation and recommendations, in line with Section 57(3) of the constitution.

The suspension comes days after a controversial parallel congress produced a rival leadership structure in the state, a move defended by Damishi Sango, who argued that it was necessary to safeguard the party’s survival in Plateau.

However, the mainstream PDP leadership in the state, headed by Raymond Dabo, has rejected the faction, insisting it remains the only legitimate structure recognised by the party.

The PDP crisis in Plateau State reflects broader divisions within the opposition party, particularly between factions loyal to Wike and other national leaders, raising concerns about unity ahead of future elections.

The party reiterated its commitment to discipline, internal democracy, and rule of law, warning members against participating in unauthorised structures or activities that could undermine its stability.

PDP Crisis Deepens as Party Suspends Wike-Aligned Chairman