The Taraba State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has dismissed allegations by one of its governorship aspirants, David Usman Dinshiya, who questioned the credibility of its governorship primary. The party described the allegations as false, misleading, and baseless while defending the credibility of the gubernatorial primary election that produced Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya as the party’s flag bearer.
In a statement issued on Monday by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Irash John Iratishe, the party expressed concern over what it called an attempt by the aggrieved aspirant to discredit a transparent and democratically conducted primary election.
The PDP said the primary election was conducted in strict compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, the party’s constitution, and guidelines approved by the National Working Committee ,NWC.
According to the statement, accredited delegates from the 16 local government areas of Taraba State participated freely in the exercise without coercion, intimidation, manipulation, or interference.
“The election was conducted in a transparent and orderly manner under the supervision of duly constituted party officials, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, accredited observers, and representatives of all aspirants,” the statement said.
The party described as, “astonishing and regrettable,” Dinshiya’s claim that no primary election took place, insisting that the exercise was witnessed by delegates, party leaders, security personnel, media representatives, and agents of all aspirants.
“It is unfortunate that an aspirant who willingly purchased nomination forms, participated in all stages of the process, interacted with delegates, campaigned extensively, and accepted the rules governing the exercise would suddenly reject the legitimacy of the process simply because the outcome did not favour his personal ambition,” the statement added.
The PDP also rejected allegations against the State Chairman, Comrade Obidah J. Bitrus, maintaining that he remains neutral and professional throughout the process.
The party said Bitrus neither imposed any aspirant on delegates nor interfered with the democratic rights of participants, noting that his conduct reflected “the highest standards of democratic leadership and institutional responsibility.”
The statement further emphasized that delegates are independent political actors empowered to make decisions based on their convictions and assessment of aspirants seeking the party’s mandate.
According to the PDP, the overwhelming support received by Senator Ikenya during the primary election reflected delegates’ confidence in his leadership qualities, political experience, and vision for the state.
The party stressed that democratic contests inevitably produce winners and losers, urging all participants to respect the outcome of the process.
“It is both intellectually dishonest and politically irresponsible to attribute personal electoral defeat to conspiracy theories, unfounded accusations, and attacks against party structures that provided a level playing field for all contestants,” the statement said.
The PDP also dismissed claims that the election was manipulated or predetermined in favour of any candidate, arguing that no credible evidence had been presented to support such allegations.
The party accused Dinshiya and his associates of attempting to create unnecessary tension and sow division within the party through what it described as unsubstantiated claims.
Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, the PDP said it remained united and focused following the successful conclusion of the primary election and maintained that the mandate given to Senator Ikenya by delegates was legitimate and overwhelming.
The party called on Dinshiya and his supporters to accept the outcome of the election and work with other stakeholders to strengthen the PDP ahead of future political engagements.
It also advised aggrieved members to utilize established constitutional channels for resolving disputes rather than engaging in public campaigns capable of creating division and confusion among party faithful.
“The Peoples Democratic Party remains firmly committed to the principles of justice, fairness, transparency, inclusiveness, and internal democracy,” the statement concluded, adding that history would ultimately stand on the side of truth, facts, and democratic principles.
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