Hon Ajiya’s Lawyers Write PDP Zonal Chairman, Urges Investigation of Manipulations Ahead of PDP North Central Zonal Congress
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A storm is brewing in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as allegations of manipulation and hijacking of the party’s North Central Zonal Congress have surfaced. In a letter of complaint addressed to the Zonal Chairman of the party, Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya’s lawyers, S.C. Uchendu Chambers, have raised concerns about the party’s democratic process being undermined.
According to the letter, Ajiya, a contestant for the position of National Vice Chairman, North Central Zone of the PDP, has been informed that some individuals are planning to manipulate the congress and impose unpopular candidates on the zone. The lawyers wrote that this move is aimed at depriving the PDP FCT State Chapter of presenting popular and visionary candidates.
At the heart of the controversy is a communique allegedly issued by the PDP FCT State Working Committee, North Central Committee, and leaders of the PDP FCT, which unanimously nominated Alhaji Abdulrahma Mohammed as the sole candidate for Chairman of the PDP North Central Zonal. The communique, signed by Josephine Itoyah-Splendor, PDP FCT State Publicity Secretary, has been circulating on the PDP FCT Official WhatsApp Platform.
Ajiya’s lawyers have described the communique as “purported” and argue that the decision is illegal, unconstitutional, and counter-productive. They noted that the move is aimed at undermining the party’s democratic process and the aspirations of their client.
The lawyers have urged the Zonal Chairman to intervene and investigate the matter, citing sections 49(2) of the PDP Constitution and 82(3) of the Electoral Act 2022. They argue that every contestant who has purchased an Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms should be given an equal playing ground to vie for the position of their choice.
As the North Central Zonal Congress approaches, scheduled for March 22, 2025, the PDP faces a critical test of its commitment to democracy and fairness. The party’s leadership is expected to navigate this crisis carefully to prevent defections and loss of members.
In the letter of complaint, Ajiya’s lawyers emphasized that their client believes in the Zonal Chairman’s capacity to handle the issue urgently. “Our client will never accept or allow any consensus that undermines his interest and aspirations,” they warned.
It must be recalled that Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya was the first candidate to purchase the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms ahead of the Congress as shown by the serial number 001 on the forms.
The PDP North Central Zonal Congress promises to be a defining moment for the party. Will the party’s leadership rise to the challenge and ensure a free and fair election, or will the allegations of manipulation and hijacking tear the party apart? Only time will tell.
StreetReporters.ng
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