The Taraba State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has moved to contain growing controversy surrounding its recently concluded gubernatorial primary election, firmly rejecting allegations of irregularities raised by one of the defeated aspirants, David Dinshiya.
Key Highlights:
- People’s Democratic Party rejected claims of irregularities in its Taraba governorship primary.
- The party said Joel Danlami Ikenya won through a transparent process.
- PDP insisted delegates voted freely under proper supervision.
- The party defended chairman Obidah Bitrus as neutral.
- Aggrieved aspirants were urged to accept the outcome and maintain party unity.
In a statement issued by the state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Irash Iratishe, the party described Dinshiya’s claims as false, misleading, mischievous, and baseless, insisting that the exercise that produced Senator Joel Ikenya as the party’s governorship candidate was conducted transparently and in full compliance with all constitutional and electoral provisions.
The development highlights the familiar challenge political parties face after highly contested primaries, where internal disagreements often test party unity and democratic structures ahead of major elections.
The dispute emerged following allegations by Dinshiya questioning the legitimacy of the primary election. However, the PDP leadership maintains that the process was transparent, credible, and widely observed by stakeholders.
According to the party, accredited delegates from all 16 local government areas of Taraba State freely participated in the exercise without intimidation, coercion, manipulation, or interference.
Party officials stated that the election was conducted under the supervision of duly constituted PDP officials, representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, accredited observers, media personnel, and agents representing all aspirants.
The PDP expressed surprise at claims that no primary election took place, arguing that the process was witnessed by hundreds of stakeholders from beginning to end.
The statement also addressed allegations directed at the state Chairman, Obidah Bitrus, whom the party accused critics of unfairly targeting.
According to the PDP, Bitrus was neutral throughout the exercise and neither influenced delegates nor attempted to impose any aspirant on the party.
The party described the chairman’s conduct as professional and consistent with democratic principles, adding that efforts to associate him with alleged irregularities were politically motivated and unsupported by evidence.
The PDP attributed Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya’s victory to the confidence delegates reposed in his leadership credentials, political experience, and vision for Taraba State.
Party officials stressed that delegates are independent political actors empowered by the party’s constitution to make choices based on their assessment of aspirants.
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According to the statement, the outcome reflected the collective will of delegates rather than any form of manipulation or predetermined arrangement.
Political observers note that post-primary disputes are not uncommon within Nigeria’s political landscape. However, parties often rely on internal dispute-resolution mechanisms to manage disagreements and preserve cohesion.
The PDP urged aggrieved members to explore constitutional channels available within the party rather than engaging in public campaigns that could deepen divisions among supporters.
The party further emphasized that democratic contests naturally produce winners and losers, insisting that acceptance of electoral outcomes remains a critical element of party discipline and democratic culture.
As preparations continue for future political engagements in the state, the PDP has called on Dinshiya and his supporters to accept the outcome of the primary and work alongside other stakeholders to strengthen the party.
The leadership maintained that no amount of post-election criticism would diminish what it described as the overwhelming mandate freely given to Senator Ikenya by delegates during the primary election.
Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, justice, fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness, the party insisted that the process that produced its governorship candidate remains credible and legitimate.
With the controversy continuing to generate debate within political circles in Taraba State, the PDP leadership says it remains confident that facts, democratic principles, and established party procedures will ultimately prevail over allegations and political grievances.
