PDP Zonal Chairmanship: I’m Still in the Race, Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya Tells Delegates, Advocates for Unity, Effective Leadership
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As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gears up for its North Central congress in Jos, Plateau State, on April 12, 2025, Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya, aspirant for the position of National Vice Chairman (North Central), has reaffirmed his commitment to the race and passionately advocated for unity and effective leadership within the party.
In a press briefing in Abuja, Hon. Ajiya addressed delegates, party faithful, and members of the press, emphasizing his unwavering dedication to the North Central zone and its rightful place in the PDP’s leadership.
“Distinguished members of the press, esteemed leaders, and loyal members of our great party—the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” he began, “Today, I am here not merely as an aspirant for the position of National Vice Chairman (North Central), but as a devoted party stalwart who has deeply felt the aspirations and frustrations of our people.”
Hon. Ajiya highlighted the historical contributions of the North Central zone to the PDP, describing it as the backbone of the party. He expressed concern over the repeated marginalization of the zone in national party positions, particularly the office of the National Chairman.
“For decades, the North Central zone has been the backbone of the PDP, delivering unwavering electoral support, loyalty, and leadership. Yet, when it comes to positions of national significance, particularly the office of the National Chairman, our zone has been repeatedly short-changed. This injustice must end.”
Citing examples of past injustices, Hon. Ajiya pointed to the premature removal of Chief Audu Ogbeh and Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, both sons of Benue and the North Central zone. “Our own Chief Audu Ogbeh, a former National Chairman from Benue State, was forced out of office before completing his tenure due to political disagreements. Instead of appointing another leader from the North Central, the position was handed to other zones. More recently, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, another son of Benue and the North Central zone, was also removed prematurely amid internal party disputes. Once again, the North Central was denied its rightful representation.”
Hon. Ajiya pledged to be a steadfast advocate for the North Central zone, promising to fight for accountability, equity, and respect for the region’s contributions to the PDP. “As your aspirant for National Vice Chairman (North Central), I pledge to be a steadfast advocate for our zone. I will fight tirelessly to ensure that the North Central is no longer treated as an afterthought. I will demand accountability, equity, and respect for our contributions to the PDP.”
He outlined his vision for fostering unity, resolving internal disputes, and reclaiming lost states in the region. “I bring to this role not only unwavering loyalty and grassroots engagement but also the ability to navigate the complexities of the challenges facing the PDP in the North Central Zone with maturity and strategic insight. I am committed to fostering unity, resolving internal disputes, and building a cohesive front that will lead our party to groundbreaking victory in the 2027 elections.”
Urging delegates to unite behind his candidacy, Hon. Ajiya reaffirmed his commitment to rewriting the North Central’s story within the PDP and ensuring its rightful place in the party’s leadership. “I call on all delegates and party faithful from the North Central to unite behind my candidacy. Together, we will reclaim our rightful place in the PDP’s leadership and ensure that our voices are heard and our mandates respected.”
He also addressed rumours of his withdrawal from the race, dismissing them as baseless. “I appeal to all party delegates to disregard any rumor that I have withdrawn from the race. We cannot be detracted, and I am the right party man for the job. I am very resolute and focused because the time has come for the North Central to rise and take its destiny into its own hands.”
Hon. Ajiya concluded his remarks with a call to action, urging the North Central zone to demand the respect and recognition it deserves. “Let us rewrite our story within the PDP. Let us demand the respect and recognition we deserve. The time is now.”
The congress in Jos promises to be a pivotal moment for the PDP and the North Central zone as Hon. Ajiya seeks to rally support for his vision of equity, unity, and effective leadership.
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