The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State has suspended Peter Tongshep, a newly elected chairman of a faction aligned with Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Tongshep, who was chosen last Tuesday along with 38 other executive members, formerly served as the PDP chairman in the Mikang Local Government Area and the party’s Southern Zone Vice Chairman.
The election drew important members of Wike’s side, including former Minister of Sports Damishi Sango, Musa I. Azi, and Board of Trustees members Timothy Golu and Johnbul Shekarau, among others.
Sango, a founding member of the PDP, had stated that the decision to elect new executives was intended to ensure the party’s existence.
The PDP in the state, led by Raymond Dabo, suspended Tongshep for one month on Thursday.
The suspension was announced in a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Choji Felix Dalyop.
The party cited Tongshep’s conduct as falling under Sections 58(1)(i) and (j) of its 2017 Constitution (as amended).
The statement read, “Pursuant to the powers vested in the State Working Committee (SWC), under Section 57(1) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party 2017 (As Amended), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Plateau State Chapter hereby announces the suspension of Hon. Mankup Peter Tongshep, Vice Chairman from the Southern Zone, with effect from Tuesday.
“During the suspension period, Tongshep is barred from functioning in his role as Southern Zone Vice Chairman of the PDP in Plateau State.
“In line with Section 57(3), the matter has been referred to the party’s Disciplinary Committee at the state secretariat, No. 20/22 Yakubu Gowon Way, opposite NTA Jos Network Centre, for further interrogation and recommendations.”
The PDP stressed its commitment to party discipline and the rule of law.
