The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State has suspended its Southern Zone Vice Chairman, Hon. Mankup Peter Tongshep, for one month over alleged anti-party activities.
Focalpoint reports that the suspension, which takes immediate effect, was announced by the party’s State Working Committee in a statement issued on Thursday in Jos.
In the statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Choji Felix Dalyop, the party said the action was taken in line with Section 57(1) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).
The party cited alleged violations under Sections 58(1)(i) and (j) following a preliminary hearing.
According to the statement, Tongshep has been barred from performing his duties as Southern Zone Vice Chairman during the suspension period.
The party further disclosed that the matter has been referred to its State Disciplinary Committee for further investigation and recommendations.
This, it said, was in line with Section 57(3) of the party’s constitution.
The Plateau PDP reaffirmed its commitment to discipline and adherence to the rule of law, stressing that no member is above the party.
The development comes amid a deepening crisis within the Plateau chapter of the PDP, characterised by the emergence of parallel leadership structures.
A faction reportedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had earlier conducted a parallel congress in Jos, where Tongshep was elected as state chairman.
However, the outcome of the congress was rejected by the party’s recognised leadership.
In a related development, a founding member of the party, Hon. Damishi Sango, defended the parallel congress, describing it as necessary for the survival of the PDP in the state.
Sango said the exercise, which he described as peaceful, produced Tongshep and 38 other executive members.
“The real mother is the one who says the baby must not die. I am among those who do not want the PDP to die,” he said.
He maintained that the executives produced by his group represent the authentic leadership of the party, while describing the rival faction led by Chief Raymond Dabo as illegal.
Despite the disagreements, Sango said he held no personal grudge against Dabo, whom he described as a long-time ally.
He called on party members to set aside their differences and work towards repositioning the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ongoing crisis has left the Plateau PDP sharply divided, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s leadership in the state.
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