The Youth Wing of the Mumuye Cultural Development Association (MCDAYW) has rejected growing speculation about a plan to replace Taraba State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali.
They warned that removing him without transparency and broad consultation could spark serious political consequences.
In a statement signed by National President Ezekiel H. Augustine and National Secretary Wilfred William Vilaana, the youth group condemned the alleged move, labelling it “a calculated insult” to the Mumuye people.
They pledged to firmly resist any removal seen as unjust or driven by political interests.
They aligned with the main body, the Mumuye Cultural Development Association (MCDA), which had earlier decried what it called the political sidelining of the state’s largest ethnic group.
“The Mumuye people remain, without doubt, the largest ethnic group in Taraba State.
Yet, we continue to suffer political exclusion due to our peaceful and accommodating nature, which is too often mistaken for weakness,”
the statement said.
Citing a recent by-election, the youth wing claimed that Dr. David Ishaya, a Mumuye candidate, was allegedly forced to step down for Sadiq Abbas Njidda. They also claimed the group had been pressured to back another candidate over Innocent Umaru Jabanya.
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These, they said, were done without appreciation or reward from the ruling party.
“The wound from that injustice is still fresh and troubling in our hearts,”they added.
They acknowledged that if the deputy governor must be replaced due to genuine reasons like health or inability to serve, the role should still be given to someone from the Mumuye community irrespective of their local government.
“Anything short of this will be seen as a deliberate marginalization and will not be taken lightly.
We shall withdraw our loyalty from the PDP and realign with a platform that values our contributions and is ready to offer genuine partnership in governance,” the statement warned.
They urged Governor Agbu Kefas and PDP leaders to treat the issue with fairness, adding that the Mumuye people“are not second class citizens in Taraba State.”