Former Jonah Jang has strongly condemned a recent congress organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Nyesom Wike, describing the exercise as illegal and without effect.
The disputed congress, held in Jos last Tuesday, produced Peter Tongshep as the state chairman alongside 38 other executive members. The event was attended by key figures aligned with Wike, including Damishi Sango, Musa I. Azi, and Board of Trustees members Timothy Golu and Johnbul Shekarau.
However, in a statement issued on Monday in Jos, Jang—who is recognised as the leader of the PDP in Plateau State—dismissed the congress as a “kangaroo” exercise allegedly orchestrated by self-serving individuals in collaboration with external undemocratic forces.
He reaffirmed that Raymond Dabo remains the legitimate chairman of the party in the state, having emerged through a properly conducted and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)-monitored congress.
According to Jang, the existing State Working Committee has remained intact and functional, stressing that there was no justification for organising a parallel congress.
“All actions of those involved in the so-called congress, both legally and publicly, are null and void, and of no effect,” he stated, adding that the Dabo-led executive remains the only recognised leadership of the party in Plateau State.
Jang attributed the development to the ongoing crisis within the PDP at the national level, noting that efforts are underway by party leaders to resolve internal disputes and restore unity.
He urged loyal party members to remain focused and avoid distractions, warning those behind the parallel structure to desist from actions capable of deepening divisions within the party.
The controversy comes amid heightened tensions within the PDP, with internal factions battling for control across several states. The Dabo-led faction had earlier announced the suspension of Tongshep shortly after his emergence as chairman of the Wike-backed group.
