The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its Southern Zone Vice Chairman, Mankup Tongshep, for one month over alleged anti-party conduct.
The suspension bars Tongshep from performing any official duties while the matter undergoes further investigation by the party’s State Disciplinary Committee.
According to the party, the decision was taken in line with Sections 57 and 58 of the PDP Constitution (2017, as amended), following a preliminary hearing into Tongshep’s conduct.
In a statement on Thursday, the State Publicity Secretary, Choji Dalyop, confirmed that Tongshep is prohibited from executing his responsibilities as Southern Zone Vice Chairman during the suspension period.
The statement also noted that the case has been formally referred to the Disciplinary Committee for a thorough investigation and subsequent recommendations, in accordance with Section 57(3) of the party’s constitution.
Dalyop emphasized that the PDP remains committed to discipline and the rule of law, insisting that no member is above the party’s regulations.
The suspension comes amid an escalating leadership crisis within the Plateau PDP, marked by the emergence of parallel structures. A faction reportedly aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had earlier conducted a separate congress in Jos, where Tongshep was elected as state chairman, a process rejected by the party’s official leadership as illegitimate.
The development underscores deepening divisions in the state chapter, raising concerns about internal cohesion ahead of the upcoming elections.