Political Showdown: Taraba PDP Disowns Wike-Supported Caretaker Team

The latest development highlights growing divisions within the party’s structure in the state, with rival groups asserting constitutional legitimacy.

On Tuesday, a faction reportedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, unveiled the caretaker committee to manage the party’s affairs in Taraba. The panel, headed by Victor Falack, was given a 30-day mandate—or until a new executive committee is elected—to steer the party’s activities.

According to the faction, the decision was made in accordance with the party’s constitution and aimed at restoring order and strengthening the party’s structure in the state.

However, the officially recognised Taraba State leadership of the PDP quickly dismissed the move, describing it as invalid.

In a statement signed by the party’s State Media and Publicity Officer, Herbert Faith Bello, the chapter labelled the caretaker committee announcement as “false, misleading and unauthorised.” It maintained that the declaration originated from “an unrecognised body with no constitutional standing within the party.”

The state chapter further accused those behind the move of attempting to sow confusion and heighten tensions among members.

Reasserting its authority, the Taraba PDP stated that the party remains properly constituted under the leadership of Acting Chairman, Comrade Chief Obidah Bitrus. It emphasised that the current leadership structure remains intact and committed to upholding the party’s constitution and internal democratic principles.

The statement urged party members and the public to disregard the caretaker committee announcement, stressing that it does not reflect the position of the recognised state leadership or any legitimate organ of the party.