By The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Elders Forum in Taraba State, Elder John Mamman, has cautioned members aligned with the faction of former Rivers State governor and current FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, to steer clear of the party’s affairs in the state.
Elder Mamman warned that any action taken contrary to the outcome of the party’s national convention—pending the final decision of the Appeal Court—could trigger unnecessary crisis within the party.
Reacting to the reported invasion of the Taraba State PDP secretariat by Mr. Victor Falaka, who is alleged to be aligned with the Wike-led faction, Mamman described the move as disrespectful to the people of Taraba State and an affront to the party’s established leadership structure.
He cautioned against attempts to create parallel party structures or conduct unauthorized primaries at the state or local government levels.
“Anyone moving round the local governments claiming to conduct primaries or carry out party activities while we await the Appeal Court’s decision is inviting trouble. We advise them, in their own interest, to desist,” he said.
The Elders Forum chairman congratulated the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on the court ruling that validated the PDP national convention held in Ibadan, describing it as a step toward stability within the party. However, he strongly condemned any forceful attempt to take over the state PDP secretariat.
“In Taraba, we have never operated with factions. If anyone fundamentally disagrees with the leadership, the appropriate step is to resign from the party rather than create parallel structures,” Mamman stated.
He reaffirmed that the PDP remains the dominant political force in Taraba State and dismissed claims that recent defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) had weakened the party’s base.
“The movement of some elected officials to the APC does not translate to a shift in the loyalty of the people. The majority of ordinary Tarabans still stand firmly with the PDP,” he added.
Elder Mamman appealed for calm among party faithful, urging members to respect constituted authority and adhere strictly to established party structures while awaiting the final outcome of ongoing legal processes.
