The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Yangtu Special Development Area of Taraba State. has refuted claims questioning the legitimacy of the recent appointment of the area’s Coordinator and other principal officers, describing such allegations as “mischievous and baseless.”
The response follows a publication circulating under the name “Concerned Yangtu Youths,” which alleged that the appointments were orchestrated by a single individual, Andetarang Irammae, without broader consultation.
In a joint statement signed and made available to journalists on Saturday in Jalingo by the PDP Chairman of Yangtu, Sabo Shamaki and PDP Zonal Women Leader (Southern Zone), Ladi Danjuma, the party dismissed the claims as “reckless fabrications” aimed at misleading the public and inciting disunity.
According to the statement, the selection of Joel Rimamscap as Coordinator, alongside the Deputy Coordinator and Secretary, followed a well established zoning formula and was the product of extensive consultations with party executives, traditional rulers, youth groups, and the PDP Elders Forum.
“The law governing the Yangtu Special Development Area recognizes four villages, Jenuwa Kogi, Kwambai, Jenuwa Gida, and Bika with key offices rotating among them. The PDP leadership noted that while Jenuwa Gida held the Coordinator position in 2022, it was Jenuwa Kogi’s turn in the current cycle,” the statement read.
The nominations, the party said, received the endorsement of major traditional leaders, including Kwe Emmanuel Ikoti of Kwambai Chiefdom and Joshua Samari of Bika Chiefdom, before being submitted to the state government for approval.
The PDP also rejected insinuations linking the appointment process solely to Irammae, calling it a “laughable attempt” to undermine a transparent, community driven selection.
The statement further addressed claims surrounding PDP member Mrs. Hauwa Kwena, challenging her purported influence and electoral performance.
According to the party, official INEC records showed she delivered just 31 votes in her polling unit during the last election, compared to over 1,000 votes reportedly secured by Irammae.
The leadership of the party also clarified that Mrs. Kwena, once Deputy National Women Leader of the PDP, was removed and replaced by Tina Musa, and is not currently a member of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
“If she has no involvement in this publication, she must publicly disassociate herself,” the statement warned, suggesting that remaining silent could amount to impersonation.
The PDP reaffirming its commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and development in Yangtu, urging residents and party members to disregard what it called “the handiwork of mischief-makers.”
“No amount of propaganda will distract us from our responsibility to serve the people of Yangtu,” the statement read.
