Turaki-led PDP faction reacts to chairmanship withdrawals ahead of Abuja LGA elections

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by Taminu Turaki has condemned what it described as a “shameful and anti-democratic” withdrawal of some of its chairmanship candidates from the forthcoming Abuja Local Council elections.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said the withdrawals were carried out without the consent of the party and are a threat to healthy democratic processes.

“The National Working Committee of the Party has received with utter dismay the news of the withdrawal or stepping down of some Chairmanship candidates of our Party. This action is anti-democratic in every sense and is hereby totally condemned,” the statement read.

The party accused some of its leaders of promoting “voodoo democracy” aimed at controlling the party to favour the President ahead of the 2027 elections. The statement claimed these leaders had attempted to coerce other candidates to step down, ensuring a smooth path for the ruling party despite what it called the “abysmal performance” of the administration.

The PDP warned voters to be vigilant during the elections, urging them to ensure that presiding officers transmit Form EC8A immediately after announcing results at polling units.

Comrade Ememobong stressed that the party remains committed to rebuilding a strong opposition capable of returning to power by 2027.