PDP Condemns Withdrawal of Chairmanship Candidates Ahead of FCT Council Elections
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the reported withdrawal or stepping down of some of its chairmanship candidates in the forthcoming Abuja Area Council elections, stating that the actions were carried out without the approval of the party’s leadership.
In a press statement issued by the party’s National Working Committee and shared via its official communication channels, the PDP described the withdrawals as “shameful” and contrary to democratic principles. The statement was signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong.
According to the party, democracy is sustained through open and competitive electoral contests, not through what it termed “forced or induced consensus.” The PDP expressed concern that the withdrawals could undermine the credibility of the electoral process in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The National Working Committee of the Party has received with utter dismay the news of the withdrawal or stepping down of some Chairmanship Candidates of our Party from the forthcoming Abuja Local Council elections,” the statement read.
The party further argued that the development reflects deeper internal and external pressures affecting its operations in the FCT. Without naming specific individuals in the statement, the PDP criticized what it described as attempts by certain actors to weaken the party’s opposition role.
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The controversy follows earlier reports that a PDP candidate in one of the FCT area councils stepped down ahead of the polls, allegedly in favor of a candidate from the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move has triggered debate within political circles about party cohesion and the broader dynamics shaping local council elections in the capital.
The PDP also used the opportunity to reiterate its position as an opposition party preparing for future national contests, including the 2027 general elections. It stated that internal reforms and disciplinary actions had been undertaken to reposition the party after previous internal disputes.
Observers note that tensions within the PDP have persisted since the 2023 general elections, with disagreements among key stakeholders over party leadership, strategy, and alliances. Some critics have linked the current developments in the FCT to longstanding internal divisions, including disputes involving prominent party figures.
In its statement, the PDP urged voters in the FCT to remain vigilant and participate actively in the electoral process. It specifically called on citizens to protect their votes and ensure that results are properly transmitted at polling units in accordance with electoral guidelines.
Political analysts say the unfolding situation could have implications for the balance of power within the FCT councils, as well as for the PDP’s broader efforts to consolidate its opposition base. While candidate withdrawals are not uncommon in Nigerian politics, especially in tightly contested elections, such actions often attract scrutiny when they occur close to polling dates.
Public reactions have been mixed. Some commentators argue that the withdrawals signal deeper structural challenges within the PDP, while others view them as part of strategic political negotiations typical of local elections. Supporters of rival parties have also weighed in, framing the situation as evidence of shifting political alignments in the FCT.
As preparations continue for the council elections, attention is likely to remain focused on how the PDP manages internal dissent and whether further clarifications will emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the candidate withdrawals.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which oversees elections in the FCT and across Nigeria, has not issued any specific statement regarding the PDP’s claims at the time of reporting.
The FCT council elections are expected to test party strength at the grassroots level and may offer early signals about political momentum ahead of future national contests.