Plateau State PDP Sets Up Disciplinary Committee

By Asile Abel, Jos

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has constituted a disciplinary committee in Plateau State to investigate allegations of defection and breaches of its constitution by some members.

The committee was set up by the State Executive Committee (SEC) in line with Section 57(1) of the party’s constitution, which mandates the establishment of a seven-member disciplinary committee at every level of the party, including at least one member with a legal background.

Inaugurating the panel the state deputy chairman, Gyang Tanko, said the members were selected based on integrity, experience and commitment to discipline within the party.

He explained that Daniel Kungmi was appointed chairman because of his record and “uncompromising stance on discipline,” adding that his political antecedents as a former local government chairman also informed the decision.

Mr Tanko thanked members of the committee for accepting the assignment and urged party members and supporters to cooperate with them, noting that internal discipline was essential for strengthening democratic practice within the PDP.

According to the party, the committee’s mandate includes establishing facts around the alleged infractions, identifying members involved, and assessing the gravity of any proven violations. It is also expected to make recommendations on appropriate disciplinary measures.

The panel is empowered to invite witnesses, request documents and conduct hearings as part of its work, which party officials said would be guided by fairness, transparency, due process and strict adherence to the party’s constitution, rules and code of conduct. The committee has two weeks to submit its report.

Other members of the panel are Gogol Goma, Anah Dadah, Gyang Choji, Singar Zhattau and Pam Sale, with Bitrus Gyang serving as secretary.

Responding, Mr. Kunmi thanked the PDP leadership for the confidence reposed on them and assured that the committee would ensure members of the party maintain discipline.

He described their appointment as a call to service, noting that the party had given him opportunities to serve in various capacities in the past, including as a member of the State Executive Council.

“It is incumbent on me to reciprocate whenever the party calls on me to play any role, at any level,” he said. “To turn down such a request would amount to ingratitude.”

Mr Kunmi said the mandate of the committee was clearly spelt out and would be executed transparently, with due regard for fairness and internal democracy.

“The assignment is well captured in the terms of reference. We will carry it out dutifully and seamlessly, with the cooperation of party members,” he said, stressing that the committee’s work was not punitive.

“Nobody is on trial. This is about strengthening party discipline and rebuilding the party.”

He explained that part of the committee’s task includes verifying party membership, updating records, and addressing issues of dual allegiance.

“People are free to leave the party, just as they are free to return,” he said. “But one cannot belong to two political platforms at the same time.”

He said the committee would work under the directive of the State Working Committee led by the party’s state chairman, Raymond Dabo.

“Our responsibility is to carry out the assignment given to us, in line with the party’s constitution and values,”