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Serious cracks are appearing in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s North Central structure following scathing allegations from Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya, a frontline aspirant for the position of National Vice Chairman (North Central), who has condemned the recently held North Central Zonal Congress in Jos as “a monumental fraud” and has formally filed an appeal with the party.

At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Ajiya declared that the May 24 congress in Plateau State was “a shameful charade” marked by illegality, manipulation, and deliberate violations of party rules and national law.

“Let it be known, without equivocation, that what took place in Jos was not an election. It was a monumental fraud,” Ajiya said. “I walked out of that so-called congress in protest and in good conscience. I could not, and would not, lend legitimacy to a process marred by illegality, impunity, and premeditated manipulation.”

Central to his protest was the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which he explained refused to monitor the congress due to an improperly signed invitation.

“INEC refused to attend the congress because the letter inviting them was not signed by the official of the party recognized by the Commission,” Ajiya noted. “This is not just an oversight—it is a deliberate and unlawful act that nullifies the entire process.”

Describing the process as criminal and compromised, Ajiya claimed delegates were handed ballots with a single candidate’s name and instructed to inscribe their own names, thereby violating secrecy and intimidating participants.

“This brazen hijack of the democratic process is unbecoming of a party that claims to stand for justice, equity, and internal democracy,” he stated. “The event was a carefully orchestrated plan, led by a cabal of party leaders, to force through a prearranged outcome.”

Ajiya revealed that despite raising several concerns in the days leading up to the congress — including formal petitions and legal warnings — the party leadership refused to intervene.

“Our cries were ignored. Our concerns were dismissed,” he said. “The party leadership refused to even acknowledge these concerns—before descending into the disgrace we witnessed in Jos.”

As part of his efforts to seek peaceful redress, Ajiya confirmed that he has filed an official appeal to the PDP’s internal Appeal Panel, detailing the irregularities and violations that marred the congress.

“In the spirit of due process and internal resolution, I have filed a formal appeal to the PDP Appeal Panel,” he stated. “This is my first step in seeking redress within the party’s constitutional framework.”

However, he made it clear that should the party fail to address his grievances, he will escalate the matter legally.

“Let me be very clear: if the appeal panel fails to uphold the principles of justice and fairness, I will head to court. I will pursue every legal avenue available to challenge and overturn this charade,” Ajiya declared. “The purported outcome of the kangaroo congress is null, void, and an insult to the democratic ideals the PDP was founded upon.”

Rejecting overtures and alleged offers meant to silence him, Ajiya reiterated his commitment to party reform and internal democracy.

“Yes, I was approached. Overtures were made. Offers placed on the table in a bid to buy my silence and complicity. But I am not for sale,” he affirmed. “My loyalty lies with the principles of justice and fairness—not to individuals desperate to mortgage our party’s future on the altar of selfish ambition.”

He also accused some senior party figures of betraying the PDP for financial gains and aligning with interests sympathetic to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Let us call it what it is: betrayal. Betrayal of the people, betrayal of the party, and betrayal of our collective future,” he said.

Despite the controversy, Ajiya reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the PDP and called for urgent reforms.

“I remain committed to the vision of a reformed, transparent, and inclusive PDP,” he stated. “But we must purge ourselves of impunity. We must cleanse our ranks of corruption. And we must restore the dignity of our internal democratic processes.”

As internal tensions escalate, the outcome of Ajiya’s appeal and potential legal action may significantly shape the PDP’s path in the North Central region ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“History is watching. The people are watching. And I will not be silent,” he concluded.

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