By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Taraba State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Obidah Bitrus, has denied knowledge of the purported party congresses that allegedly produced two different State Working Committees on Saturday.
Bitrus told journalists on Monday in Jalingo that the party has no faction, insisting that he remains the authentic and legally recognised chairman of the party in the state. He urged individuals parading themselves as the Taraba State PDP chairman to desist from the act.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the Elders Forum of the party, led by Chief John Mamma, also told journalists on Sunday that the forum was neither aware of any faction nor of any state party congresses purportedly held on Saturday.
Chief Mamma stated that Mr. Obidah Bitrus remains the only PDP state chairman in Taraba and affirmed that the Elders Forum is solidly behind his leadership.
According to Bitrus, a mini PDP national committee has been set up to meet today, March 16, 2026, to reconcile the Wike and Turaki factions of the party and also constitute a caretaker committee to act as the state executive for 21 days before fresh congresses are conducted.
“PDP in Taraba has no faction, and I am not aware of any congresses as chairman of the party in the state. Anyone parading himself as a factional chairman of the party is not a member of PDP and is only trying to create unnecessary confusion.
“A mini reconciliatory committee set up by PDP stakeholders is expected to meet today and reconcile the Wike and Turaki factions. The committee is also to constitute a caretaker State Working Committee that will act for 21 days before congresses are conducted. I wonder where the purported PDP congresses that allegedly produced two factions emanated from,” he stated.
The chairman expressed confidence that despite recent defections, the PDP would reclaim its mandate in the 2027 governorship, State Assembly, and National Assembly elections in Taraba State.
“I want to assure Tarabans, who are traditionally PDP supporters, that the party will reclaim all its mandates in 2027. As we speak, those who ignorantly defected to the APC are returning to where they originally belong.
“PDP is a traditional party that Tarabans know and believe in. Our structures at the local government level are intact, and we are ready for a showdown in 2027 to reclaim our mandates.
“We are working to ensure a level playing field for everyone interested in contesting for positions in the forthcoming general elections. Our desire is to field credible candidates who will deliver the desired good governance that will positively transform Taraba and its citizens,” he added.
