By Sandra Ugwu

Jos, Nigeria - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State has suspended its Southern Zone Vice Chairman, Hon. Mankup Peter Tongshep, for one month over alleged anti-party activities, further deepening the party’s internal crisis.

The suspension, which takes immediate effect, was announced by the State Working Committee (SWC) in a statement issued Thursday in Jos and signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Choji Felix Dalyop. According to the statement, the disciplinary action was taken in line with Section 57(1) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), following a preliminary investigation into alleged violations under Sections 58(1)(i) and (j).

The party stated that Tongshep is barred from performing all official duties during the suspension period, adding that the matter has been referred to the State Disciplinary Committee for further investigation and recommendations in accordance with Section 57(3) of the party’s constitution. “The party remains committed to discipline, due process, and the supremacy of its constitution. No member, regardless of status, is above the rules,” the statement read.

The development comes amid an escalating leadership crisis within the Plateau chapter of the PDP, marked by the emergence of parallel party structures. A faction reportedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had earlier conducted a parallel congress in Jos, where Tongshep was elected as state chairman—an outcome rejected by the party’s recognized leadership as invalid.

In a related development, PDP founding member and elder statesman, Damishi Sango, defended the controversial congress, describing it as a legitimate and peaceful effort to safeguard the party’s future in Plateau State. Sango said the exercise produced Tongshep alongside 38 other executive members through what he described as a consensus-driven process aimed at stabilizing the party ahead of future elections.

Drawing a biblical analogy, he likened the situation to King Solomon’s judgment, stressing that true loyalty lies in preserving the party. “The real mother is the one who says the baby must not die. I am among those who do not want the PDP to die,” Sango said. He maintained that the leadership produced by his faction represents the authentic structure of the party in the state, while dismissing the rival group led by Chief Raymond Dabo as illegitimate.

Despite the deepening divisions, Sango expressed no personal animosity toward Dabo, describing him as a long-time political ally, and urged party members to set aside their differences in the interest of unity. Political observers warn that the escalating crisis could weaken the PDP’s cohesion in Plateau State if not urgently resolved, particularly as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.