Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has expressed strong opposition to the reported withdrawal or stepping down of some of its chairmanship candidates ahead of the forthcoming local council elections in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the leadership described the development as anti-democratic and inconsistent with the principles of competitive electoral politics. The statement followed reports that certain PDP candidates had either withdrawn from the race or been persuaded to step aside in the lead-up to the Abuja area council polls.
The elections, scheduled to take place across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, are overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission and are considered a key test of grassroots political strength ahead of future national contests. The councils include Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali, each with chairmanship and councillorship positions at stake.
According to the party’s statement, the withdrawal of candidates undermines the spirit of democratic participation, which it said should be anchored on open competition rather than what it characterized as forced or induced consensus. The National Working Committee argued that healthy electoral contests are essential to voter confidence and institutional legitimacy.
The statement went further to criticize individuals it described as leaders “parading” within the party structure, alleging that their actions were designed to weaken internal opposition and align the party with the interests of the incumbent federal administration. While no specific names were mentioned, the tone of the release suggested ongoing factional tensions within the PDP at both national and local levels.
Internal disputes have periodically surfaced within the PDP since the 2023 general elections, reflecting broader struggles over leadership direction, strategy and alliances. Analysts note that party cohesion at the local level often mirrors national dynamics, particularly in politically symbolic jurisdictions such as the Federal Capital Territory.
In its statement, the PDP’s National Working Committee framed the candidate withdrawals as indicative of a broader pattern of political maneuvering that it believes could extend to future elections. It warned against scenarios in which aspirants might be pressured to step down in favor of consensus arrangements that bypass competitive primaries or electoral contests.
The party also used the occasion to reiterate its intention to reposition itself as a viable opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections. The statement referenced prior disciplinary actions taken against certain members, describing those measures as necessary steps toward rebuilding internal discipline and strategic focus.
Beyond internal party matters, the PDP urged voters in the Federal Capital Territory to remain vigilant during the council elections. It called on citizens to actively participate in the voting process and to ensure that results are transparently handled at polling units. In particular, the statement emphasized the importance of the proper announcement and transmission of Form EC8A, the official result sheet used at polling units under Nigeria’s electoral framework.
Electoral observers have consistently highlighted the centrality of polling unit-level transparency in Nigeria’s elections. The introduction of electronic result transmission and greater public scrutiny of collation processes in recent electoral cycles has heightened awareness among voters regarding procedural safeguards.
Political analysts say the controversy surrounding the chairmanship withdrawals reflects the broader contest for influence within the FCT, where local government structures can shape grassroots mobilization, patronage networks and political visibility. Although local council elections do not carry the same national profile as presidential or gubernatorial polls, they are widely viewed as foundational to party organization.
As preparations continue for the Abuja area council elections, attention is likely to focus on whether additional withdrawals occur and how the PDP manages internal dissent. The Independent National Electoral Commission has yet to comment publicly on the specific issue of candidate withdrawals, beyond standard procedures governing substitutions and timelines.
The PDP’s statement underscores the high stakes attached to even subnational contests in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape. With political realignments already underway ahead of 2027, local elections are increasingly seen as barometers of party strength and organizational coherence.
For voters in the Federal Capital Territory, the immediate question remains whether the council polls will proceed with full participation from all major contenders or whether intra-party disputes will reshape the electoral field. The outcome may offer early signals about the trajectory of opposition politics in the years leading up to the next general election cycle.
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