From Idu Jude, Abuja
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya, has threatened to sue the party over what he described as a shambolic North Central Zonal Congress held in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, May 24.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, May 27, Ajiya noted the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a key reason the congress was invalid. “Let it be known, without equivocation, that what took place in Jos was not an election. It was a monumental fraud,” he stated. “I, Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya, a frontline aspirant for the office of National Vice Chairman, North Central, hereby declare that I walked out of that so-called congress in protest and good conscience.”
Ajiya explained that INEC’s absence was due to an improperly signed invitation letter, which he called a deliberate violation of legal requirements. “As required by law, INEC must monitor and supervise party congresses to ensure credibility and legitimacy. However, INEC refused to attend the congress because the letter inviting them was not signed by the official of the party recognised by the Commission,” he said, citing this as evidence of a “criminal” process.
He alleged that ballots pre-printed with a single candidate’s name were distributed to delegates, who were also required to write their names on them, describing it as an attempt to intimidate and compromise the process. “This brazen hijack of the democratic process is unbecoming of a party that claims to stand for justice, equity, and internal democracy,” Ajiya said, accusing a cabal of party leaders of orchestrating the outcome.
Ajiya revealed he had raised concerns prior to the congress, including petitions and letters from his legal team demanding transparency, but these were ignored. He also claimed he rejected offers to compromise his stance. “I was approached. Overtures were made. Offers placed on the table in a bid to buy my silence and complicity. But I am not for sale,” he asserted.
He expressed disappointment in some party leaders, noting one attempted to contact him during the “sham voting” despite never engaging with his campaign. Ajiya further alleged that senior figures accepted financial incentives to support the manipulated outcome, accusing them of aligning with All Progressives Congress (APC) proxies to weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections. “Let us call it what it is: betrayal,” he said.
Vowing legal action, Ajiya stated, “I am heading to court. I will pursue every legal avenue available to challenge and overturn this charade. The purported outcome of the Kangaroo Congress is null and void.” He reaffirmed his commitment to a reformed, transparent PDP, urging the party to purge itself of impunity and restore democratic processes.