Hot Battle For PDP Tickets
The battle for who emerges as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in the forthcoming Local Government Council elections in Taraba State has intensified, as both incumbent chairmen and fresh aspirants, particularly youths, jostle for the party's ticket ahead of the November polls.
With the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC) confirming the election timetable, PDP's internal selection process has turned into a fierce contest across the 16 local government areas. While most of the current council chairmen are lobbying to secure the party's endorsement for a second term, they face stiff resistance from a growing number of young and energetic contenders eager to reshape grassroots governance.
Local zoning arrangements, which have long guided the rotation of political positions among districts and wards in various LGAs, are also playing a significant role in determining which communities present candidates. However, the application of zoning rules remains controversial in many areas, with some party stakeholders allegedly attempting to manipulate the process in favour of their preferred aspirants.
In some LGAs, prominent political actors and godfathers are pushing forward candidates that local residents consider unpopular or disconnected from the grassroots. This trend has sparked growing concern among community leaders and party loyalists, who fear it could weaken the PDP's electoral chances.
"We want Governor Kefas and the PDP leadership to ensure that credible, popular, and locally known candidates emerge," said a local PDP youth coordinator in Wukari. "If candidates are imposed, especially those without community support, it will create voter apathy and internal crisis."
In Takum Local Government Area, zoning remains at the heart of the debate. Comrade Rimamnyang Umaru, a youth leader from Dutse Ward, has openly declared support for Daniel Likam, insisting it is DutseWard's turn to produce the next council chairman.
"It is only fair and just that Dutse Ward takes the chairmanship slot this time. We have waited our turn and contributed significantly to the party's victories over the years. Daniel Likam is a grassroots man and the most acceptable aspirant across all 10 wards," Umaru stated during a press briefing in Takum.
Elsewhere, in Yorro LGA, internal controversy has rocked the PDP following allegations by the Member representing YorroConstituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Joseph Kannoh Kassong. The lawmaker accused some local party officials of commercializing councilorship slots, allegedly collecting money from aspirants in exchange for promises of candidacy.
As the PDP prepares for its internal screening and primary elections, calls are growing louder for Governor Agbu Kefasand the state leadership of the party to intervene and ensure that only candidates with integrity, local popularity, and proven competence make it onto the ballot.
Political observers believe the upcoming elections will be a major test of the governor's grip on party machinery and his promise to promote credible leadership at the grassroots level.
With weeks to go before the primaries, the race remains fluid and unpredictable. What is certain, however, is that the PDP faces intense internal battles that may define the shape of local governance across Taraba for years to come.
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