A chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Plateau State, Comrade Iliya Abdullahi, has expressed concerns over the party's governorship ticket dispute. Abdullahi accused the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of taking sides in the lingering crisis. The dispute centres on Alfred Ali Dapal and Da Jonathan Sunday Akuns, both claiming the party's mandate ahead of the forthcoming election.
The crisis began when Dapal, who previously contested the Plateau State governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), joined the NDC. His entry into the NDC sparked another controversy over the party's governorship nomination. On September 15, 2026, the Plateau State NDC Chairman, Solomon Ndam, declared Dapal the party's preferred candidate after a substitution primary.
The development complicated the situation, as Dapal instituted legal proceedings challenging Akuns' claim to the governorship ticket. Akuns, on the other hand, has received repeated recognition from the NDC National Chairman as the party's legitimate governorship candidate in Plateau State. Abdullahi questioned Obi's perceived closeness to Dapal, despite the ongoing disagreement over the party's recognised candidate.
Abdullahi expressed concern over Obi's apparent association with Dapal, which he believes could undermine the party's internal structure and weaken Akuns' standing. He argued that Obi's perceived position could compromise the party's credibility and unity. Abdullahi asked Obi to explain why he is being friendly with Dapal, whose actions are contributing to the party's destruction in Plateau State.
Abdullahi also questioned Dapal's decision to pursue the NDC governorship ticket after previously contesting the PDP primary. He insisted that the circumstances surrounding Dapal's departure from the PDP required clarification. Abdullahi asked, "Why is Alfred Dapal so desperate to obtain the NDC governorship ticket? He contested the PDP governorship primary in May 2026 and lost."
The NDC chieftain urged Obi to demonstrate integrity, due process, and institutional discipline, values he has consistently preached. Abdullahi's concerns come as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible alternative to the existing political establishment. The internal dispute threatens the party's credibility and unity ahead of the forthcoming election.
The Plateau State NDC crisis highlights the challenges faced by new political parties in Nigeria. The party's ability to resolve the dispute and present a united front will be crucial in the forthcoming election. The situation remains a test of the party's leadership and its commitment to its founding principles.
Key points
- Peter Obi accused of taking sides in Plateau NDC governorship crisis
- Dispute centres on Alfred Ali Dapal and Da Jonathan Sunday Akuns
- Crisis threatens NDC's credibility and unity ahead of forthcoming election
