The Taraba NDC leadership crisis has deepened following competing claims over the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the state, with incumbent chairman Ambassador Charles Tiuda rejecting reports that Richard Dauda Achiarege has emerged as the party’s interim chairman.
Tiuda, in a statement issued on Monday, insisted that he remains the Taraba State chairman pending the conclusion of a review by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). The NDC’s official list of pro-tem state chairmen also currently identifies Amb. Charles Tiuda as the party’s Taraba State chairman.
Key Highlights
- Taraba NDC is facing an escalating leadership dispute.
- Charles Tiuda has rejected reports of his removal as state chairman.
- Richard Dauda Achiarege has reportedly emerged as an interim chairman.
- NDC Legal Adviser K.M. Chiroma previously rejected the purported removal of Tiuda.
- Chiroma described the reported leadership change as unconstitutional.
- Tiuda says the NWC is reviewing the issues raised against his leadership.
- The dispute comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
- The NDC’s official state-chairmen list currently names Tiuda as Taraba chairman.
Tiuda Rejects Reported Removal as Taraba NDC Chairman
Tiuda dismissed reports that the national leadership of the NDC had appointed Richard Dauda to replace him, maintaining that no final decision had been communicated removing him from office.
According to the chairman, the NWC had directed individuals behind a petition against his leadership to return to Taraba and await the outcome of its review.
He argued that the directive did not amount to his removal and maintained that he would continue to perform his duties until the national leadership reaches a final decision.
The development has created competing claims over the leadership of the Taraba chapter.
Richard Dauda’s Reported Emergence Sparks Fresh Dispute
The controversy reportedly followed an alleged vote of no confidence in Tiuda and the subsequent emergence of Richard Dauda Achiarege as an interim chairman.
However, the purported leadership change has faced opposition from within the party.
The NDC’s Taraba State Legal Adviser, K.M. Chiroma, previously rejected the reported removal of Tiuda and the appointment of Achiarege, arguing that the action did not comply with the party’s constitution.
Chiroma said the NDC constitution is binding on all members and organs of the party and argued that the procedure reportedly used to remove Tiuda was inconsistent with its provisions.
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NDC Legal Adviser Rejects Tiuda’s Purported Removal
In his earlier intervention, Chiroma cited Articles 18 and 20 of the NDC constitution, which he said provide procedures for disciplinary matters and sanctions involving party officials and members.
He also referred to Article 23 as providing mechanisms for resolving internal disputes.
Chiroma argued that the State Executive or Working Committee members who purportedly voted to remove Tiuda did not have the constitutional authority to install another person as interim chairman.
He consequently described the reported removal and appointment as having no legal effect within the party structure.
Tiuda Appeals for Calm Among Taraba NDC Members
While defending his position, Tiuda also adopted a conciliatory tone.
He expressed concern that allegations had been made against him without giving him an opportunity to respond but said he had forgiven those involved in the dispute.
He appealed to members of the party to remain calm and allow the NWC to resolve the matter through the established procedures of the organisation.
The appeal comes as political parties begin intensifying preparations for the 2027 general elections, making internal organisation and leadership structures increasingly significant.
Taraba NDC Crisis Extends to Party Communication Platforms
The leadership dispute has also affected the party’s communication structures in the state.
Tiuda directed the State Publicity Secretary to restore members who were allegedly removed from the party’s communication platform for expressing their views about the crisis.
He also requested his reinstatement as an administrator of the platform.
According to Tiuda, party members should be allowed to express their views on developments within the organisation.
The disagreement over access to the communication platform adds another dimension to the wider dispute over leadership and control of information within the Taraba chapter.
NDC Leadership Dispute Remains Unresolved
While Tiuda maintains that the NWC has not removed him, the reported emergence of Achiarege as interim chairman indicates that significant disagreements remain within the Taraba chapter.
Recent reporting has similarly described the situation as a dispute over the authority behind the purported leadership change and the procedure adopted.
At present, the competing positions remain unresolved.
The NDC’s official website currently lists Amb. Charles Tiuda as the Taraba State chairman, although that listing does not by itself settle the internal dispute over the reported leadership change.
NDC Faces Leadership Test Ahead of 2027 Elections
The dispute comes at a sensitive period as political parties across Nigeria prepare for the 2027 general elections.
For the NDC, resolving the Taraba leadership question could be important for the coordination of its state structures, grassroots mobilisation and preparations for the electoral cycle.
Tiuda has urged party members across the state to remain united and avoid actions that could further deepen the disagreement.
The final position of the NDC’s national leadership is expected to clarify the status of the competing claims and determine the direction of the party’s Taraba chapter.
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