By Idu Jude, Abuja
As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Zonal Congress gains momentum, Honourable Abraham Ajiya, a leading contender for the North Central National Vice Chairman position, has firmly dismissed rumours of his withdrawal.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, April 9, ahead of the elective congress scheduled for April 12 in Jos, Plateau State, Ajiya declared he remains fully committed to the race.
Ajiya described the rumours, circulating on social media and among rivals, as a futile attempt to discourage his supporters. “I am very much in the race,” he said, addressing delegates and party faithful. He positioned himself as a devoted PDP stalwart, driven by a mission to champion fairness, equity, and justice for the North Central zone.
“For decades, the North Central has been the backbone of the PDP, delivering unwavering electoral support, loyalty, and leadership. Yet, when it comes to positions of national significance, particularly the office of the National Chairman, our zone has been repeatedly short-changed. This injustice must end,” he stated.
He outlined a pattern of marginalisation: “Our own Chief Audu Ogbeh, a former National Chairman from Benue State, was forced out before completing his tenure due to political disagreements. Instead of appointing another leader from the North Central, the position was handed to other zones. More recently, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, another son of Benue, was removed prematurely amid internal disputes. Once again, the North Central was denied its rightful representation. Only Chief Barnabas Gemade, from our zone, completed a full term as National Chairman, and that was over two decades ago, from 1999 to 2001.”
Ajiya pledged to reverse this trend. “As an aspirant for National Vice Chairman (North Central), I will fight tirelessly to ensure the North Central is no longer treated as an afterthought. I will demand accountability, equity, and respect for our contributions,” he said.
He promised to bring loyalty, grassroots engagement, and strategic insight to address the zone’s challenges, fostering unity and leading the PDP to victory in the 2027 elections.
The North Central zone—comprising Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the FCT—remains a PDP stronghold, yet it currently has only one governor. “This is a stark reminder of the need for effective leadership,” Ajiya noted. “I am ready to confront these challenges head-on and reclaim the states we have lost to the opposition.”
He urged delegates to ignore withdrawal rumours, asserting, “I am resolute and focused. The time has come for the North Central to rise and take its destiny into its own hands. Let us rewrite our story within the PDP and demand the respect we deserve.”