Plateau PDP Suspends Newly Elected Wike-Backed Factional Chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party in Plateau State has suspended Peter Tongshep, a newly elected chairman of a faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Tongshep, elected last Tuesday alongside 38 other executive members, previously served as the PDP chairman in Mikang Local Government Area and as the party’s Southern Zone Vice Chairman.

The election drew several prominent members of the Wike-aligned faction, including former Minister of Sports, Damishi Sango, former Minister Musa I. Azi, and Board of Trustees members Timothy Golu and Johnbul Shekarau. Sango, a founding member of the PDP, had said the election aimed to ensure the party’s survival.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday, the PDP Plateau State Chapter, led by Raymond Dabo, announced Tongshep’s suspension for one month with immediate effect. The statement was signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Choji Felix Dalyop.

According to the statement, the suspension was enacted under Section 57(1) of the party’s 2017 Constitution (as amended), citing Tongshep’s conduct as falling under Sections 58(1)(i) and (j).

The statement read, “Pursuant to the powers vested in the State Working Committee (SWC) under Section 57(1) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party 2017 (As Amended), the Plateau State Chapter hereby announces the suspension of Hon. Mankup Peter Tongshep, Vice Chairman from the Southern Zone, with effect from Tuesday.

“During the suspension period, Tongshep is barred from performing his duties as Southern Zone Vice Chairman of the PDP in Plateau State.

“In line with Section 57(3), the matter has been referred to the party’s Disciplinary Committee at the state secretariat, No. 20/22 Yakubu Gowon Way, Opposite NTA Jos Network Centre, for further interrogation and recommendations.”

The PDP emphasised its commitment to party discipline and the rule of law.