The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Plateau State is facing uncertainty over its governorship ticket after two separate substitution primaries produced different candidates. On September 15, 2026, the state chairman, Ndam, organised a primary involving party chairmen from seven local government areas, which produced Alfred Dapal Damiyal, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant.
Meanwhile, the NDC National Working Committee (NWC) delegated Oluwole Oladapo to conduct another substitution primary, which produced Da Jonathan Sunday Akuns as the winner. This primary was attended by stakeholders from 10 local government areas, three senatorial district chairmen, and the deputy chairman of the state chapter.
The emergence of two candidates has created a rift within the party, with Akuns inviting all NDC candidates for the 2027 elections to a meeting to harmonise the selection of polling unit agents. However, the candidates failed to attend, citing a desire not to take sides with either of the two governorship candidates.
The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, stated that the party was consulting stakeholders on the development and inauguration of a Presidential Campaign Council. The party leadership has directed state and local government chairmen to convene meetings with candidates and relevant stakeholders to collate and harmonise lists of party agents for the 2027 elections.
A suit has been filed at the Federal High Court, Jos, seeking judicial determination of the validity of one of the governorship substitution primaries. The suit, filed by Hon Umar Ashmar Jibrin, has five defendants: the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), NDC, the NWC of NDC, the Plateau State Executive Committee, and Da Jonathan Sunday Akuns.
The development has left the party with competing claims over its governorship ticket, with the validity of the respective primary processes subject to the party’s internal processes and judicial determination. This uncertainty may impact the party's performance in the 2027 elections.
The Plateau State chapter of the NDC is not the only one facing challenges, as the nation grapples with insecurity and economic issues. The party's situation reflects the broader challenges facing Nigeria's political landscape, with many parties experiencing internal conflicts and divisions.
Key points
- Two separate primaries have produced different governorship candidates for the NDC in Plateau State.
- A suit has been filed at the Federal High Court, Jos, seeking judicial determination of the validity of one of the governorship substitution primaries.
- The uncertainty over the NDC's governorship ticket may impact the party's performance in the 2027 elections.
