Dare Babalola
The National Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed profound disappointment and condemnation over the withdrawal of some chairmanship candidates from the forthcoming Abuja Local Council elections.
In a statement issued on Friday by Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary, the party described the action as “anti-democratic” and an affront to the principles of healthy electoral contests.
“The withdrawal of candidates is a shameful act, not reflective of the party’s stance or consent,” the statement read. “Democracy thrives on healthy electoral contests, not forced or induced melodramatic consensus, as currently witnessed in the build-up to the FCT local council elections.”
The PDP alleged that certain party leaders were promoting “voodoo democracy” to serve personal interests, stating, “This is a pointer to the type of voodoo democracy promoted by those parading as leaders of the PDP, whose only interest is to ‘hold’ the party for the President.”
The party further criticized the timing of the withdrawals, suggesting it was part of a broader scheme, “This is exactly what they intended to do to Nigerians, when close to the Presidential elections, they can compel, induce or cajole all the other candidates to step down or withdraw for the President to have a smooth sail back to Aso Rock Villa, despite the abysmal performance of his administration.”
The PDP emphasised its commitment to rebuilding a strong opposition party, stating, “It was for ignoble, reckless and shameless acts like these that we excommunicated them from our party, in order to rebuild a strong opposition party, prepared for a struggle to return to power by 2027.”
The party concluded by urging voters to protect their votes, “Voters should go to the polls prepared to protect their votes and ensure that Presiding Officers transmit Form EC8A immediately after announcing the result at the polling unit.”
Recall that Hon. Zadna Dantani, the PDP chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), stepped down for APC’s Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.
This decision followed intervention by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, citing a “brotherhood election” and support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Dantani urged supporters to vote for Maikalangu, submitting a withdrawal letter to INEC.
Another PDP candidate, Julius Adamu from Bwari Area Council, also stepped down for APC’s Joshua Ishaku Musa, making it the second withdrawal in less than 24 hours.
