Mumuye youths under the umbrella of the Mumuye Cultural Development Association Youth Wing (MCDAYW) have raised strong objections to the rumoured plan to replace the current Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, warning of dire political consequences if the move is carried out without fairness and due consultation.

In a statement signed by MCDAYW National President Ezekiel H. Augustine and National Secretary Wilfred William Vilaana, the youths described the speculated action as “a calculated insult” that would be firmly resisted.

They expressed full support for an earlier press release by the parent body, the Mumuye Cultural Development Association (MCDA), which cautioned against sidelining the Mumuye ethnic group in Taraba politics.

“The Mumuye people remain, without doubt, the largest ethnic group in Taraba State,” the statement noted. “Yet, we continue to suffer political exclusion due to our peaceful and accommodating nature, which is too often mistaken for weakness.”

The youths referenced a recent by-election during which they claimed Dr. David Ishaya, a Mumuye indigene, was pressured to step down in favour of Sadiq Abbas Njidda, while they were also asked to support another candidate against Innocent Umaru Jabanya; both actions, they say, were never acknowledged or compensated.

“The wound from that injustice is still fresh and troubling in our hearts,” the statement read.

They emphasised that if Deputy Governor Alkali must be replaced due to legitimate reasons such as health or incapacitation, his successor must also be a member of the Mumuye ethnic group, regardless of local government origin.

“Anything short of this will be seen as a deliberate marginalisation and will not be taken lightly. We shall withdraw our loyalty from the PDP and realign with a platform that values our contributions and is ready to offer genuine partnership in governance,” the statement warned

The group urged Governor Agbu Kefas and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership to act with wisdom and fairness, asserting that the Mumuye people “are not second-class citizens in Taraba State.”