Taraba PDP Crisis Deepens: State Leadership Rejects Factional Caretaker Committee

 

​The political landscape in Taraba State has been thrown into further turmoil as the state leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially rejected a newly constituted factional caretaker committee. This latest development, occurring on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, marks a significant escalation in the long-standing internal power struggle that has plagued the party’s state chapter. The incumbent leadership, led by Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, has dismissed the caretaker committee as "illegal and unconstitutional," sparking fears of a total breakdown in party discipline ahead of future electoral cycles.

​The Genesis of the Conflict: A Divided House

​The crisis reached a new peak after the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee—a factional group at the national level—announced the dissolution of several state working committees, including Taraba. In their place, a 16-member caretaker committee was appointed, chaired by Victor Falack, with a mandate to oversee the party's affairs for an initial 30 days.

​However, the Bawa-led executive has refused to budge. They maintain that they are the only legitimate authority recognized by the party's constitution and local stakeholders.

​Key Points of Contention:

• ​Constitutional Legitimacy: The state leadership argues that the dissolution of an elected executive by a factional national body violates the PDP's internal statutes.
• ​Judicial Battles: Multiple court cases regarding the party's leadership remain pending, with the Bawa faction claiming they have not been served any legal notice that strips them of their power.
• ​Stakeholder Recognition: Many grassroots members and state government officials continue to align with the incumbent leadership, viewing the caretaker committee as an "external imposition."

​Tactical Maneuvers: The Rise of Factions

​The internal rift in Taraba is a mirror of the broader crisis affecting the PDP nationally. With rival factions claiming control over the Wadata Plaza national secretariat in Abuja, the "trickle-down" effect has hit Taraba hard.

​The Victor Falack-led committee was reportedly tasked with "stabilizing and repositioning" the party. Yet, the rejection by the state leadership has had the opposite effect, creating a "parallel leadership" structure. Political analysts warn that this duality will make it nearly impossible for the party to conduct valid congresses or nominate candidates without legal challenges.

​Impact on Taraba Governance and Stability

​The PDP has historically been the dominant force in Taraba State. However, this deepening crisis threatens to erode its influence. Governor Agbu Kefas, who has previously attempted to mediate the tussle, now finds himself navigating a fractured base.

​The consequences of this rejection are multi-fold:

1. ​Administrative Paralysis: With two groups claiming the right to use the party's symbols and offices, daily administration is at a standstill.
2. ​Voter Confusion: Loyalists are left wondering which faction represents the "true" PDP, potentially driving them toward opposition parties like the APC or NNPP.
3. ​Security Concerns: Political gatherings in Jalingo and other major towns have seen increased police presence to prevent clashes between rival supporters.

​What Lies Ahead for Taraba PDP?

​The state leadership has vowed to remain in office, urging members to ignore the "distraction" of the caretaker committee. They are currently embarking on a statewide tour to solidify their grassroots support and reassure the faithful that the party remains intact under their guidance.

​Conversely, the caretaker committee is expected to try and take over the party’s secretariat in Jalingo, a move that could lead to a direct physical or legal confrontation. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may eventually be forced to step in to clarify which faction it recognizes for official correspondence.

​Conclusion

​The rejection of the factional caretaker committee by the Taraba PDP state leadership is a definitive statement that the battle for the soul of the party is far from over. As both sides dig in their heels, the path to reconciliation looks increasingly narrow. For the PDP to survive in Taraba, a high-level intervention that respects the party's constitution and local autonomy will be required. Until then, the "Home of the Sun" remains a flashpoint for Nigerian political drama.