PDP condemns chairmanship candidate withdrawals in Abuja elections, calling the move shameful, anti-democratic, and a threat to opposition politics
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the withdrawal of some of its chairmanship candidates ahead of the Abuja Area Council elections, describing the move as shameful and undertaken without the party’s consent.
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The party’s National Working Committee expressed outrage, calling the withdrawals anti-democratic and unacceptable.
In a statement on Friday, National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong said the PDP received news of the action “with utter dismay,” insisting that democracy thrives on competitive contests, not forced or induced consensus.
The PDP further accused certain individuals, allegedly parading as party leaders, of attempting to compromise the party’s independence for the benefit of the President.
Without naming names, the party said the withdrawals are part of a broader agenda to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“As sad as this development is, it 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 statement said.
The party warned that such actions set a dangerous precedent for future elections, signalling attempts to influence candidate outcomes and secure smooth political victories despite public dissatisfaction.
The Abuja Area Council elections are expected to serve as a political barometer for the 2027 general elections, with major parties vying for grassroots influence in the nation’s capital.
Also read: PDP Inaugurates Caretaker Committee to Stabilize Abia Chapter
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and competitive elections, cautioning against any attempt to undermine internal party processes.
