Plateau State Governor’s Aide Dismisses Ex-Gov Tapgun’s Critique on PDP Structure

 

Latep Dabang, the political adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, responded to former Governor Fidelis Tapgun‘s critique of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in the state. Dabang attributed Tapgun’s remarks to his discontent within the party.

In an interview with Radio France International, Tapgun, a member of the PDP’s Board of Trustees in the state, held the party responsible for not addressing internal issues before the 2023 general elections. He asserted that this lapse led to recent seat losses in the appeal court, expressing doubt about the party’s survival in the Supreme Court.

However, on Wednesday, Dabang countered Tapgun’s statements, stating, “He is only articulating their longstanding agenda. When I joined the PDP, there were two conflicting interests, the pro-Jang and pro-Useni. Tapgun aligns with the pro-Useni faction.”

Dabang clarified that those unaware of Tapgun’s affiliations might perceive him as impartial, but he emphasized Tapgun’s alignment with Useni’s camp, which contested the congress’s outcome, leading to a repeated congress. Dabang dismissed Tapgun’s comments as serving the interests of his faction, driven by a desire for control.

Contrary to Tapgun’s assertion of unresolved issues within the party, Dabang affirmed that the PDP in the state has addressed all internal matters. He remarked, “What Fidelis Tapgun is saying is to serve his camp’s interests. They desire everything to align with their preferences. It’s an ego issue, in my view. His status as a trustee member doesn’t exempt him from making such statements in Nigerian politics,” he added.