PDP Zonal Elections: Group alleges APC plan to hijack process

From Idu Jude Abuja

As the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, prepares for its Zonal election to be held in Jos capital of Plateau state, indications have emerged that the ruling APC has already perfected a move to hijack the process next week.

The Secretary-General of North Central Unity Forum For Good Governance Initiative, Mr. Muhammad K.B Nma, has lamented an alleged plot by Senator Phillip Aduda to hijack the structures of the People’s Democratic Party in the North Central for the All Progressives Congress.
Aduda, it could be recalled, has been in a political romance with the FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike since he lost the FCT senatorial seat to the Labour Party candidate Ireti Kingibe.

In a statement made available to newsmen, over the weekend, the group alleged that these are indeed not the best of times for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria, as they are faced with unprecedented challenges, both internally and externally.

The statement reads” The current leadership crises, including the contentious national secretary disputes, have undermined the party’s stability and raised questions about its future in Nigeria as an opposition party as parties move towards 2027 general elections.

“As the party approaches the North Central Zonal Congress, scheduled for May 24, 2025, in Jos, Plateau State, allegations of manipulation and power plays have come to the fore, dominating discussions amongst PDP members, particularly in the North Central Zone.

“At the center of these allegations, is Senator Phillip Aduda, whose rumored defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked widespread concern among PDP members in the FCT and the entire North Central Zone.

Additionally, a party Chieftain, in the FCT who spoke in anonymity, to the Sun, stated that Aduda is allegedly working together, leveraging his connections with the FCT Minister to pressure party members into adopting his preferred candidate, Abdulrahman Ibrahim, who before now was planted as the PDP national auditor as the North Central Zonal Chairman of the PDP to gain control of the Party for the APC even after he has left.

“This move is seen as part of a larger strategy by Aduda and the FCT Minister, to hijack the party’s structures in the North Central zone, which is a stronghold of the PDP at the moment in Nigeria.
“The significance of the North Central zone to the PDP cannot be overstated; this is because It is the birthplace of the party and the region from which its first national chairman and founder, the late Solomon Lar”.

Significantly, the party’s strength in this zone is crucial to its national appeal and electoral success and If Aduda and those behind him succeed in their alleged plot, it could spell disaster for the PDP, potentially weakening its position in the region and beyond, says Dr. Isaac Nwa oye another Chieftain the party from the South East, mentioned.

Nwaoye, further emphasis on the recent picture of Aduda’s Candidate, Abdulraham Ibrahim with the FCT Minister, coupled with alleged financial inducements for delegates ahead of the Zonal Congress, adds another layer of concern to the already tense situation within the PDP If true, this would suggest a deliberate attempt to influence the outcome of the congress through unwholesome means.

“Such allegations, if proven, could further erode confidence in the party’s internal processes and potentially lead to more divisions. The PDP leadership may need to address these concerns promptly to restore faith in the party’s ability to conduct free and fair internal elections”.

Former party BOT member, who wishes to remain anonymous, said, “Perhaps, the silence of PDP leaders in the North Central region on this issue is so loud that its cumbersome echoes could be heard from a distance, hence the need for them to speak with one voice of unison towards the stability of the party.

As the party’s fate hangs in the balance, Nigerians and political pundits are anxiously watching the developments, expressing fears, that the country could be drifting towards a one-party system, with potentially dire consequences for the country’s democracy.

With few days left, the outcome of the North Central Zonal Congress will be pivotal, determining whether the PDP can restore faith and hope in its leadership or succumb to internal squabbles and external manipulation to bury itself.
To emerge from this crisis, the PDP must demonstrate its ability to navigate these challenges effectively and this requires strong leadership, transparent decision-making processes, and a renewed commitment to the party’s founding principles.
Only then can the PDP hope to regain stability, starting from the North Central, to provide effective opposition, and reclaim its position as a viable political force in Nigeria.