News, Politics

Crisis Deepens in Plateau PDP as Party Suspends Zonal Chairman Amid Factional War

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 19th, 2026.

The crisis rocking the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a fresh turn on Thursday as the party announced the suspension of its Southern Zone Vice Chairman, Hon. Mankup Peter Tongshep, over alleged anti-party conduct.

The decision, which takes immediate effect, was conveyed in a statement issued in Jos by the State Working Committee (SWC) and signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Choji Felix Dalyop. According to The Punch, the party invoked provisions of its constitution in taking disciplinary action against the embattled official following a preliminary review of his conduct.

The PDP stated that Tongshep would be barred from performing his official duties for the duration of the one-month suspension, while the matter has been escalated to the State Disciplinary Committee for further investigation and necessary recommendations.

Party officials stressed that the move reflects the PDP’s commitment to internal discipline and adherence to due process. “No member is above the rules governing the party,” the statement emphasised, reaffirming the leadership’s stance on maintaining order within its ranks.

The suspension comes against the backdrop of an escalating leadership tussle within the Plateau PDP, which has seen the emergence of parallel structures competing for legitimacy. According to The Guardian Nigeria, a faction linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had earlier organised a separate congress in Jos, producing Tongshep as state chairman—an outcome rejected by the recognised party leadership.

In a related development, elder statesman and PDP founding member, Hon. Damishi Sango, threw his weight behind the parallel congress, describing it as a necessary intervention to preserve the party’s structure in the state. He maintained that the exercise was peaceful and produced a legitimate leadership team.

Sango, speaking in remarks cited by The Nation Newspaper, urged party faithful to prioritise unity and the survival of the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections. Drawing a biblical analogy, he likened the situation to the wisdom of King Solomon, stressing that true loyalty lies in safeguarding the party’s future.

Despite the ongoing dispute, Sango noted that he holds no personal grievances against the rival faction led by Chief Raymond Dabo, calling instead for reconciliation among stakeholders.

Political observers say the deepening divisions within the Plateau PDP could weaken the party’s structure if not urgently addressed. As reported by Daily Times Nigeria, the growing factional crisis has heightened concerns over the party’s preparedness for upcoming electoral contests.

With both camps maintaining their claims to legitimacy, the Plateau PDP remains sharply divided, raising fresh questions about internal cohesion and the party’s ability to present a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.