Former governor Jang spurns Plateau PDP gathering supported by Wike

Former Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has denounced a recent congress convened by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, which is loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as illegitimate.

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This congress, held in Jos last Tuesday, saw the election of Peter Tongshep, a former chairman of the PDP in Mikang LGA, as the new state chairman of the PDP, alongside 38 other executive members, according to reports from our correspondent.

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The election drew prominent members of the Wike-aligned faction, including former Minister of Sports Damishi Sango, another former minister, Musa I. Azi, and Board of Trustees members Timothy Golu and Johnbul Shekarau, among others, who were in attendance.

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In a statement issued in Jos on Monday, Jang, who is the leader of the PDP in the state, rejected the congress, describing it as a "kangaroo" gathering orchestrated by self-serving individuals in collaboration with undemocratic forces outside the state.

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Jang affirmed that Chief Raymond Dabo remains the authentic chairman of the party's state chapter, having been duly elected in an INEC-monitored congress, thereby solidifying his position as the legitimate leader.

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According to Jang, the fact that the State Working Committee of the PDP in Plateau State has always been unified, with no cracks or divisions, makes the recent congress unnecessary and invalid.

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The former governor emphasized that the committee members, including Chairman Chief Raymond Dabo, were elected in a well-organised and INEC-monitored congress, in accordance with the party's constitution, rendering the recent congress null and void.

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Jang attributed the current development to the ongoing national crisis, stating that party leaders are working to resolve issues and reposition the PDP for unity and progress, with the aim of strengthening the party.

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The former governor urged genuine party members to remain united and focused on resolving issues, while warning agents of distraction to cease their actions, which could potentially destabilize the party.

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Jang reiterated that the State Working Committee of the PDP, led by Chairman Chief Raymond Dabo, is the only recognized party executive in the state, emphasizing the importance of unity and cohesion within the party.

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Meanwhile, the official PDP led by Raymond Dabo had earlier suspended the chairman of the Wike-backed PDP, Peter Tongshep, shortly after his emergence as the state chairman, according to reports from our correspondent.