Controversy is brewing within the Taraba State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, following reports that the party leadership has unilaterally selected candidates for the upcoming local government elections, sidelining incumbent chairmen and triggering concerns of internal crisis.
Sources revealed to our reporter that the decision allegedly influenced by Governor Agbu Kefas led to the removal of 13 out of the 16 serving local government council chairmen, many of whom were reportedly seeking re-election in the upcoming November polls.
Several of the affected chairmen, speaking anonymously, expressed shock and disappointment over what they described as a lack of consultation in the selection process.
“If given the opportunity, I would have loved to re-contest. I was shocked to hear that someone else had been picked to replace me without any prior discussion,” one of the displaced chairmen said.
The move has drawn criticism from party stakeholders and grassroots supporters, who view it as undemocratic and potentially damaging to the PDP’s electoral prospects.
Observers fear the decision could lead to mass defections to rival political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, APC, and other emerging opposition groups.
A prominent PDP chieftain, also speaking on condition of anonymity, described the development as a “major setback” for the party.
“The governor’s decision to impose candidates on the people without due consultation risks weakening our grassroots structure and could alienate loyal supporters,” he warned.
Amid the fallout, some outgoing chairmen said they had to restrain their supporters from staging protests to avoid destabilizing the fragile peace in parts of the state.
“We are not happy with the decision of the party or the governor. But for the sake of peace, we’re asking our people to stay calm. Whether we will remain in the party or defect, we will decide after observing how things unfold,” another affected chairman stated.
In a swift response, the PDP’s spokesperson in Taraba, Iremeya Andeta’rang, denied allegations of imposition.
He insisted that the selection of candidates followed due process and wide consultation with relevant stakeholders.
“There was no imposition whatsoever. The process was transparent. Just because some individuals were not re-nominated does not mean it was flawed,” Andeta’rang said.
He also defended governor Kefas against accusations of orchestrating the selection, arguing that the governor did not personally handpick any candidate.
“It is ironic that some of the chairmen now protesting were brought in through the same process. When it worked in their favor, no one complained,” he added.
As internal dissent simmers, political analysts who spoke with our reporter, warned that the PDP’s ability to manage the fallout in the coming weeks could shape not only the outcome of the November local government elections but also the party’s strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tension in Taraba PDP as alleged imposition of LG candidates spark backlash
