The Peoples Democratic Party in Plateau State has suspended Peter Tongshep, a newly elected chairman of a faction aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, barely days after his emergence.
Tongshep, who previously served as PDP chairman in Mikang Local Government Area and the party’s Southern Zone Vice Chairman, was elected last Tuesday alongside 38 other executive members in a parallel congress organised by the Wike-backed faction.
The election drew prominent members of the faction, including former Minister of Sports Damishi Sango, former minister Musa I. Azi and Board of Trustees members Timothy Golu and Johnbul Shekarau, among others.
Sango, a founding member of the PDP, had said the decision to elect new executives was necessary to ensure the survival of the party.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, March 19, the mainstream PDP leadership in the state, led by Raymond Dabo, announced Tongshep’s immediate suspension for one month.
The statement, signed by State Publicity Secretary Choji Felix Dalyop, said the party acted under its constitutional powers.
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“Pursuant to the powers vested in the State Working Committee (SWC), under Section 57(1) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party 2017 (As Amended), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Plateau State Chapter hereby announces the suspension of Hon. Mankup Peter Tongshep, Vice Chairman from the Southern Zone, with effect from Tuesday,” the statement read.
“During the suspension period, Tongshep is barred from functioning in his role as Southern Zone Vice Chairman of the PDP in Plateau State.”
The party said the matter had been escalated for further investigation.
“In line with Section 57(3), the matter has been referred to the party’s Disciplinary Committee at the state secretariat, No. 20/22 Yakubu Gowon Way, Opposite NTA Jos Network Centre, for further interrogation and recommendations.”
The PDP reiterated its commitment to party discipline and the rule of law.
Tongshep’s suspension is the latest manifestation of the factional war tearing through the PDP at both national and state levels.
The rivalry between the Wike-aligned camp and the Turaki-led faction continues to produce parallel congresses, competing executives and disciplinary actions that further fragment an already weakened opposition.