Former Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, has rejected the outcome of a recent Peoples Democratic Party congress organised by a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The congress, held in Jos last Tuesday, produced Peter Tongshep as the state chairman alongside other executive members.
Reacting in a statement issued on Monday in Jos, Jang described the exercise as illegitimate, insisting it lacked due process.
“The so-called congress is a kangaroo arrangement orchestrated by self-seeking individuals in connivance with undemocratic forces outside the state,” he said.
Jang maintained that Chief Raymond Dabo remains the duly recognised chairman of the party in Plateau State, having emerged from a valid congress monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“It is a well-known and established fact that, at no time, did the State Working Committee of the PDP in Plateau State have any cracks.
They were duly elected in a well-organised and INEC-monitored congress in accordance with the party’s constitution,” he stated.
He argued that there was no justification for organising another congress, declaring the actions of the faction null and void.
“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 are null and void and of no effect,” Jang added.
The former governor attributed the development to the ongoing crisis within the party at the national level but expressed optimism that efforts were being made to restore unity.
“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.
Jang urged party members to remain united and focused, warning against actions capable of causing division within the party.
“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 said.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that the PDP leadership loyal to Dabo had earlier suspended Peter Tongshep shortly after his emergence as chairman of the Wike-backed faction.
