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Jos — A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has elected Peter Tongshep as its new state chairman.
Tongshep emerged alongside other 38 executive members during a peaceful state consensus congress held on Tuesday in Jos.
The congress, which took place under tight security with heavy deployment of personnel to ensure order and protect participants, was supervised by a seven-member delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The event drew key stakeholders from the Wike-aligned faction, including former Sports Ministers Damishi Sango and Musa.I. Azi, Sarpiya Danyaro, Aminu Zang, as well as BoT Members Timothy Golu and Rt. Hon. Johnbul Shekarau among other prominent party figures.
The development highlights the increasing calls for reconciliation within the Plateau PDP, as rival factions vie for control of the party’s structures amid ongoing national leadership tussles in the main opposition party.
The congress comes against the backdrop of legal battles, factional congresses in other states, and efforts at reconciliation following recent court rulings affecting the party’s national leadership.
Efforts to reach officials from the opposing faction in Plateau for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
While some political observers say the parallel structures could weaken the PDP’s position in the state ahead of future elections, others believed that the appeal court judgement which recognises the Wike group should allow for reconciliation so as to halt the crisis to a stop.
The newly elected PDP spokesman of the state, Dr Samaila Rukuba described the congress as very peaceful and orderly. He said with the conclusion of the state congresses, all eyes are on the way to the National Convention slated for 29th in Abuja.
He called on all well meaning PDP members in Plateau to reposition themselves towards reconciliation and the task of recovering our run away mandate.