PDP Leadership Under Fire After Taraba By-Election Defeat

The aftermath of the Karim 1 State Constituency by-election has sparked sharp criticism of the Taraba State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, with its chairman, Abubakar Bawa, coming under intense scrutiny.

Political commentator, Jimkuta Emmanuel, described the party’s defeat in the August 16 poll as a “litmus test” of Bawa’s leadership, which he argued had been found wanting.

Despite a statewide mobilisation effort that included campaign tours across all 16 local government areas, the PDP was unable to secure victory.

The outcome has raised fresh concerns over the party’s electoral strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In contrast, the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Abner Shittu Dahbo, clinched victory with 5,895 votes in what observers described as a landslide win, achieved with limited campaign activity within the constituency.

“Abner Shittu is a young and vibrant candidate who enjoys broad grassroots support,” Emmanuel noted. “The APC didn’t need to run an aggressive campaign because the people had already made their choice. Meanwhile, the PDP fielded a candidate who lacked popular appeal, exposing deep internal weaknesses.”

The result triggered jubilant celebrations across Karim 1, which Emmanuel said reflected “a wholehearted endorsement” of the APC candidate by constituents.

He further alleged that despite documented evidence of irregularities linked to PDP operatives—reportedly submitted to law enforcement—the APC’s victory remained overwhelming.

Emmanuel also criticised Bawa’s post-election press conference, accusing him of attempting to shift blame and seek public sympathy rather than taking responsibility for the party’s poor performance.

“Rather than offering excuses, the PDP chairman should have congratulated Abner Shittu and focused on urgently reorganising the party,” he said.

He advised Governor Agbu Kefas to reconsider the PDP’s leadership in the state, warning that continued reliance on what he termed ineffective leadership could endanger the party’s prospects in 2027.

“Given his background in intelligence, Governor Kefas doesn’t need a prophet to recognise that this leadership lacks the capacity to deliver,” Emmanuel added.