Plateau PDP Splits Further as Wike Faction Elects Parallel Chairman Ahead of 2027 Elections

Political tensions within the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Tuesday as a faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, held its own Congress and elected Peter Tongshep as a parallel state chairman.

This development deepens divisions in a party already split since October 25, 2025, when a rival faction, aligned with Tanimu Turaki, elected Chief Raymond Dabo as state chairman at a separate Congress in Jos. Both factions also appointed 38-member State Executive Committees (SECs) to oversee party affairs leading up to the 2027 general elections.

The Wike-led Congress, conducted under heavy security, was supervised by a seven-member delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and attended by prominent party figures, including former Sports Ministers Damishi Sango and Musa Azi, Sarpiya Danyaro, Aminu Zang, and BoT members Timothy Golu and Rt. Hon. Johnbul Shekarau.

Dr Samaila Rukuba, elected as the faction’s spokesperson, described the event as “very peaceful and orderly” and emphasized the importance of party reconciliation. He urged all PDP members in Plateau State to refocus on restoring the party’s influence ahead of national elections.

“With the conclusion of the state congresses, all eyes are now on the National Convention scheduled for 29 March in Abuja. It is crucial for well-meaning PDP members to reposition themselves towards reconciliation and the recovery of our mandate,” Rukuba said.

The ongoing leadership dispute highlights internal friction within the PDP as the party navigates preparations for the 2027 general elections, raising questions about unity and electoral strategy in Plateau State.