Plateau PDP parallel congresses deepen party divisions as Wike and Turaki factions elect separate chairmen ahead of 2027 elections
The divisions within the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, intensified on Tuesday as a faction aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, held a congress in which Peter Tongshep was elected parallel state chairman.
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The development comes months after a separate faction loyal to Tanimu Turaki elected Chief Raymond Dabo as chairman on October 25, 2025, alongside 38 members of the State Executive Committee, to oversee the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The Wike-led faction conducted its own consensus congress, also selecting 38 executive members to manage the party’s affairs.
The exercise was held under tight security, with heavy police and security personnel deployment to maintain order.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, sent a seven-member delegation to supervise proceedings.
Prominent attendees included former Sports Ministers Damishi Sango and Musa Azi, Sarpiya Danyaro, Aminu Zang, and Board of Trustee members Timothy Golu and Rt. Hon. Johnbul Shekarau, among others.
Speaking to journalists after the congress, Dr Samaila Rukuba, elected spokesperson for the Wike-aligned faction, described the event as peaceful and orderly.
He emphasised that attention now turns to the PDP National Convention scheduled for March 29 in Abuja.
Rukuba urged all Plateau PDP members to prioritise reconciliation and to work collectively toward recovering the party’s mandate in the state, highlighting the need for unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
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The parallel elections in Plateau highlight growing internal tensions within the PDP, raising questions about the party’s ability to present a unified front in Nigeria’s upcoming general elections.
