By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
The newly elected Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State, Obidah Bitrus, has called on party faithful to actively participate in the ongoing membership registration exercise as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obidah emphasized that strong participation in the registration process is crucial for consolidating the party’s structure and laying a solid foundation for its future both in Taraba State and across Nigeria.
He disclosed that the party has already launched an extensive mobilisation and sensitisation campaign across communities throughout the state to ensure the membership drive records significant success.
The PDP chairman urged members and supporters to take ownership of the process by turning out in large numbers, noting that the party remains committed to strengthening its presence as a truly national political platform capable of advancing the welfare and aspirations of Nigerians.
Obidah further reassured party members that the PDP structure in Taraba State remains intact under his leadership.
He advised members to disregard what he described as non-existent splinter groups allegedly seeking to create confusion within the party.
Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in Nigerian Fourth Republic in 1999, the PDP has maintained political dominance in Taraba State, producing successive governors and controlling the majority of seats in the State House of Assembly, as well as other key government positions.
However, the party recently suffered a major political setback following the defection of the state governor, Agbu Kefas, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on January 31, 2026.
The move was accompanied by the defection of members of the State Executive Council, PDP lawmakers in the State House of Assembly, and several political appointees, while the former PDP state chairman subsequently assumed leadership of the APC in the state.
Despite these developments, Obidah expressed optimism that the PDP is already working diligently to restore its strength and rebuild its political base in Taraba State.
He noted that the party remains committed to deepening democracy and addressing the socio-economic challenges confronting citizens, including poverty and widespread economic hardship.
The chairman concluded by praying for unity, peace, stability, and sustainable development in Taraba State and Nigeria as a whole.
