‘Plateau is PDP State’ — Ex-Governor Jang Declares, Rejects Wike Faction

Former Governor of Plateau State, David Jonah Jang, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains firmly in control of the state, dismissing claims of division and rejecting a rival faction linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Jang made this known while reacting to the growing leadership crisis within the party in Plateau, insisting that the PDP structure in the state remains intact and functional despite recent developments.

He specifically affirmed that Chief Raymond Dabo remains the duly recognised chairman of the party in the state, following his emergence during the October 2025 congress conducted by the faction aligned with former Minister Tanimu Turaki.

The former governor, however, rejected the outcome of a separate congress held on March 17 by another group within the party believed to be loyal to Wike, where Peter Tongshep was announced as chairman.

In a statement issued through his media consultant, Clinton Garuba, Jang described the exercise as a “Kangaroo Congress,” questioning both its legality and legitimacy.

He alleged that the parallel congress was orchestrated by “self-seeking and power-hungry individuals” who, according to him, worked with external forces to undermine the party’s stability in the state.

Jang further dismissed suggestions that the PDP structure in Plateau had collapsed, maintaining that the State Working Committee remains united and was properly elected in a congress supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in line with party guidelines.

“So, as far as the law and the supporters of the PDP are concerned, there is no reason to organise any congress in the first place; therefore, all actions of those involved in the so-called congress, both legally and publicly, are null and void and of no effect,” part of the statement read.

He acknowledged the ongoing leadership challenges at the national level of the PDP but assured that efforts were underway to resolve the disputes and restore unity within the party.

“We are aware of the ongoing crisis at the national level, and as party leaders, we are doing everything possible to resolve every issue and reposition the party for unity and progress,” he said.

Reaffirming his stance, Jang declared, “Plateau is PDP, and PDP is Plateau. The State Working Committee of the PDP, led by Chairman Chief Raymond Dabo, is the only recognised party executive in the state.”

He added, “Raymond Dabo remains the authentic chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Plateau State chapter,” while revealing that he and other stakeholders have been holding a series of meetings in Abuja aimed at resolving the crisis.

According to him, the consultations would continue in the coming days with the hope of reaching a lasting solution.

Jang also urged party members in the state to remain calm and united, expressing confidence that the issues would soon be resolved.