The Plateau State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is making efforts to reconcile its factions and rally support for its governorship candidate, Da Jonathan Sunday Akuns. This move comes ahead of the February 2027 governorship election and a planned visit by the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The party leaders aim to present a united front ahead of the campaign. The reconciliation effort is necessary due to a legal dispute over the party's ticket.
The crisis in the party began with disagreements over the governorship nomination. The state chairman, Solomon Yakubu Ndam, was reportedly listed as a placeholder on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) platform. He was accused of organizing a parallel substitution primary. Another claimant to the ticket, Alfred Dapal, instituted a suit against the party, INEC, and Akuns, seeking recognition as the NDC's governorship candidate in Plateau State.
A recent sitting of the Federal High Court in Jos saw the NDC and Akuns opposing the plaintiff's attempt to withdraw the suit. The party and Akuns argued that the legal process should not be abandoned without addressing the consequences of the action. The court case involved Dapal's attempt to claim the NDC ticket. The defendants, represented by Hon. Jonathan Pwajok, opposed the withdrawal, citing the need to address allegations and reputational damage.
The defence team for Dapal's case stated that they had prepared their response to the claims and were ready to proceed. However, counsel to INEC sought an adjournment to enable the commission to respond adequately to the processes served on it and present its position. The court subsequently adjourned the matter. The case raised questions about Dapal's eligibility to claim the ticket due to allegations of membership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The NDC and Akuns are demanding ₦5 billion in general damages and ₦50 million in legal fees, among other claims. The party's deputy state chairman, Lawson Mafuyai, and state legal adviser, L. C. Dabit, represented the NDC in court. Barrister Maton, who opposed the withdrawal, argued that litigants should not abandon their cases when legal challenges arise without addressing the consequences.
NDC leaders in Plateau State are working to resolve the internal disagreement ahead of Obi's planned visit. In a message to party members, Ndam urged them to work with the party's candidates for the State and Local Government elections. The party aims to present a united front ahead of the campaign. The visit by Obi is expected to galvanize support for the party's candidates.
The reconciliation effort by the Plateau State NDC is crucial in ensuring the party's success in the upcoming elections. The party's ability to present a united front will be essential in its bid to win the governorship election. Key points in the dispute include the legitimacy of Akuns' candidacy and the eligibility of Dapal to claim the ticket.
Key points
- The Plateau State NDC is seeking unity ahead of the February 2027 governorship election.
- The party's governorship candidate, Da Jonathan Sunday Akuns, is facing a legal dispute over the party's ticket.
- Peter Obi's planned visit to the state aims to galvanize support for the party's candidates.
