Plateau NDC Works to Unite Factions Before 2027 Election

The Plateau State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is taking steps to reconcile its internal factions. This effort comes as the party prepares for the upcoming governorship election in February 2027, where Da Jonathan Sunday Akuns is the party’s candidate.

The NDC’s reconciliation efforts are particularly important as the party anticipates a visit from its presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Party leaders want to present a united front during the campaign. The current disputes arose from disagreements over the party’s nomination process.

Solomon Yakubu Ndam, the state chairman, is accused of organizing a parallel primary election. Another party member, Alfred Dapal, is claiming the governorship ticket and has taken legal action against the NDC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Akuns.

In a recent court session in Jos, the NDC and Akuns opposed Dapal’s attempt to withdraw his lawsuit. They argued that the legal process should continue to address the implications of his withdrawal. The NDC’s deputy chairman, Lawson Mafuyai, and their legal adviser, L. C. Dabit, represented the party in court.

During the court proceedings, Dapal’s legal team sought to withdraw the case, but the NDC’s lawyer argued that this would undermine the court’s integrity. The court has since postponed the case to allow INEC to prepare its response.

Meanwhile, NDC leaders are urging party members to work together and support their candidates for various positions in the upcoming elections. Hon. Manasseh Watyll, a leader in the party, indicated that the national leadership is aware of the ongoing disputes and is monitoring the situation closely.

Watyll also mentioned that the party’s records do not support Dapal’s claims to the governorship ticket, as there is no evidence that he completed the necessary membership and nomination processes. The NDC continues to address these issues through legal channels.