Plateau PDP Writes Headquarters, Disowns Ex-Governor Tapgun, Two Others

The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has disclaimed Fidelis Tapgun, the second civilian governor of the state, as a member of the party.

The chapter also asked the national secretariat of the PDP to remove Timothy Adudu, Ado Datti- both of whom had left the party long ago- and Mr. Tapgun from the 2013 convention electoral subcommittee list.
The Plateau PDP made this known in a press statement signed by its secretary, Pam Saleh, and made available to journalists in Jos. According to the statement, the state chapter had earlier agreed that any member who quit the party before and during the 2011 elections would not be accepted back into their fold. Such members were advised to form a formidable opposition to challenge the party.

“We are writing to express our surprise over the inclusion of non-PDP members from our state in the 2013 convention electoral subcommittee as released by the national secretariat of the party. “Former Governor of the State, Sir Fidelis Tapgun; former Senator representing Plateau North at the National Assembly, Senator Timothy Adudu and; Alhaji Ado Datti are non-party members.

“As a party, it is our firm belief that the inclusion of these persons is not only a great disservice to us, but also a negative signal to our teaming supporters who have been faithful to the PDP since the beginning of our democratic dispensation,” the statement read.

The party pointed out that Mr. Tapgun left the PDP to join the Labour Party, LP, in 2011 and has since not returned; Mr. Adudu had contested and won the senatorial election for Plateau North under the banner of ANPP in 2003, was an ANPP senator and till date had not participated in PDP activities even at his ward level; and Mr. Datti has been a staunch member of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, since 2011.

“Given the above facts, the state chapter is shocked to discover their names as members of the convention committee. Can the PDP entrust the planning of its national convention to non party members?” the Plateau chapter asked. It urged the PDP national headquarters to seriously consider the issues raised in order to restore the confidence of its loyal supporters from the state.