Taraba PDP Crisis Escalates as State Leadership Rejects Wike-Backed Caretaker Committee

A fresh power struggle has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State after the state leadership rejected a 16-member caretaker committee announced by a faction of the party’s National Caretaker Working Committee.

The disputed committee, reportedly backed by Nyesom Wike, was unveiled on Tuesday with a mandate to oversee party affairs in Taraba for 30 days or until a new executive is elected.

Faction Announces 30-Day Caretaker Committee

According to the faction, the committee—chaired by Victor Falack—was constituted in line with the party’s constitution to stabilise the PDP’s structure in Taraba and enforce compliance with internal guidelines.

The move was presented as a corrective step aimed at restoring order within the state chapter amid lingering tensions.

State Chapter Fires Back

The recognised Taraba State leadership swiftly dismissed the announcement, describing the caretaker committee as “false, misleading and unauthorized.”

In a statement signed by the party’s Media and Publicity Officer, Herbert Faith Bello, the state chapter said the publication originated from “an unrecognized body with no constitutional standing within the Party.”

The statement accused those behind the move of attempting to sow confusion and heighten tensions among party members.

‘Existing Leadership Remains Intact’

The Taraba PDP reaffirmed that the party structure in the state remains valid and operational under Acting Chairman, Comrade Chief Obidah Bitrus.

It insisted that the current leadership is fully committed to upholding the party’s constitution and protecting internal democratic processes.

“Party members and the general public have been advised to disregard the caretaker committee announcement in its entirety, as it does not reflect the position of the recognized state leadership or any authentic organ of the party,” the statement added.

Awaiting National Clarification

As the crisis deepens, party stakeholders say clarity from the PDP’s national leadership will be crucial in determining the legality and political consequences of the competing claims.

The unfolding dispute underscores ongoing internal tensions within the PDP, raising fresh questions about party cohesion ahead of future political contests.