From Joseph Asegba, Yola
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Taraba State chapter in a fresh turmoil after reports emerged that the party leadership is accused of sidelined incumbent local government chairmen to handpick candidates for the upcoming November elections.
Some party insider claimed the decision allegedly influenced by Governor Agbu Kefas saw 13 out of 16 serving chairmen dropped from the race, a move that has sparked outrage among stakeholders and heightened fears of internal division.
Source spoke anonymously claimed that some of the displaced chairmen said the development caught them off guard and said “If given the opportunity, I would have loved to re contest. I was shocked to hear that someone else had been picked to replace me without any prior discussion”.
The sudden shake up is said to be described as undemocratic by grassroots members and senior party figures, with many warning that the fallout could damage the PDP’s electoral opportunities.
Analysts fear the decision could trigger defections to opposition parties such as the All Progressives Congress (apc”>APC) and other rising political movements.
A “PDP chieftain in the state, who don’t want his name in media described the situation as a “major setback” for the ruling party. That the governor’s decision to impose candidates on the people without due consultation risks weakening our grassroots structure and could alienate loyal supporters”.
As tensions looms some of the outgoing chairmen admitted that they have had to calm their supporters to prevent protests that might inflame the fragile peace in parts of the state.
One who couldn’t hide his feeling said, “We are not happy with the decision of the party or the governor. But for the sake of peace, we’re asking our people to stay calm. Whether we will remain in the party or defect, we will decide after observing how things unfold”.
Responding, the PDP’s official dismissed the claims of any imposition and the party spokesperson in Taraba, Iremeya Andeta’rang, insisted the candidate selection process was fair and transparent.
