The National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced the party from the reported withdrawal of some of its chairmanship candidates ahead of the forthcoming Abuja Area Council elections, describing the development as undemocratic and executed without its consent.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said it received news of the candidates’ withdrawal “with utter dismay,” stressing that the action was neither authorised nor endorsed by the party’s leadership.
The PDP condemned the move in strong terms, asserting that democracy flourishes through open and competitive electoral processes rather than what it described as “forced or induced consensus” in the build-up to the Federal Capital Territory local council elections.
According to the statement, the episode reflects what the party characterised as a troubling pattern of internal manipulation allegedly promoted by certain individuals it accused of undermining the party’s democratic ethos. The NWC maintained that such actions contradict the principles of transparency, competition and party discipline.
The party further warned that attempts to pressure or influence candidates to step down set a dangerous precedent, particularly as the country approaches future general elections. It reiterated its commitment to rebuilding a strong and credible opposition platform ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The PDP also called on voters in the Federal Capital Territory to turn out en masse on election day and remain vigilant in safeguarding their votes. It urged presiding officers to ensure the prompt transmission of Form EC8A results immediately after announcement at polling units, in line with electoral guidelines.
The statement reaffirmed the party’s resolve to defend internal democracy and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
