The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State has suspended a factional chairman aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, deepening internal divisions within the party.
The suspended official, Peter Tongshep, was recently elected chairman of a parallel faction alongside 38 other executive members.
Prior to his emergence, Tongshep served as PDP chairman in Mikang Local Government Area and held the position of Southern Zone Vice Chairman.
The factional congress that produced Tongshep drew the attendance of several prominent figures believed to be aligned with Wike.
Among them were 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 defended the emergence of the new executives, describing the move as necessary to safeguard the party’s future in the state.
However, the mainstream leadership of the party in Plateau, under the chairmanship of Raymond Dabo, rejected the development and announced Tongshep’s suspension.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Choji Felix Dalyop, the party said Tongshep was suspended for one month with immediate effect.
The statement explained that the decision was taken in line with Section 57(1) of the party’s 2017 Constitution (as amended), citing alleged misconduct under Sections 58(1)(i) and (j).
“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 PDP Plateau State Chapter hereby announces the suspension of Hon. Mankup Peter Tongshep, Vice Chairman from the Southern Zone, with effect from Tuesday,” the statement read.
It added that Tongshep is barred from functioning in his capacity as Southern Zone Vice Chairman throughout the duration of the suspension.
The party further disclosed that the matter has been referred to its State Disciplinary Committee for further investigation and recommendations.
Reaffirming its stance, the PDP said it remains committed to upholding internal discipline and adherence to the rule of law, even as the crisis within its Plateau chapter continues to unfold.