The Wike-aligned faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State has firmly reasserted its position as the legitimate leadership of the party, ahead of the upcoming general elections. State chairman Ibrahim Abba Sale made the declaration during a ceremony where he presented certificates of return to the group’s 24 candidates for the Taraba State House of Assembly. The event, held over the weekend, underscored the faction’s readiness to contest all 24 legislative seats in the state, as well as six House of Representatives constituencies and the governorship race.
Sale emphasized that the faction’s primary elections, which produced the candidates, were monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reinforcing their claim to authenticity and legitimacy. He stressed that the electoral body’s involvement validates the process and ensures transparency in the party’s internal affairs. This move is seen as a strategic effort to gain public and institutional recognition amid ongoing leadership disputes within the PDP in Taraba.
The faction’s governorship candidate is Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, who has been positioned as the party’s standard-bearer in the 2023 elections. Sale urged all candidates to remain focused and committed to democratic principles, urging them to campaign vigorously and uphold the party’s ideals. He also called on voters across Taraba to rally behind the PDP, citing the party’s proven track record and commitment to good governance.
In a pointed critique, Sale accused Governor Agbu Kefas’s administration of failing to deliver on democratic dividends to the people of Taraba. He highlighted perceived shortcomings in governance, infrastructure development, and economic empowerment, arguing that the current leadership has not met the expectations of the electorate. This criticism is part of a broader campaign narrative aimed at mobilizing public support for the Wike-aligned faction.
The leadership dispute within the PDP in Taraba remains unresolved, with competing factions vying for control of the party’s structures. Despite this internal crisis, the Wike-aligned group continues to assert its dominance by fielding candidates across all elective offices. Their actions reflect a determination to maintain relevance and influence in the state’s political landscape.
As the election season intensifies, the PDP’s internal dynamics in Taraba will likely remain a focal point of political discourse. The outcome of the elections may ultimately determine which faction gains broader legitimacy and public support. The coming months will test the resilience and organizational strength of the Wike-aligned group as they seek to convert their claims into electoral victories.
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