The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the recent withdrawal or stepping down of some of its chairmanship candidates in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, describing the move as "shameful," "anti-democratic," and not done with the consent of the party.
In a press statement released by the National Working Committee (NWC) and signed by National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong on Friday, February 20, 2026, the PDP expressed "utter dismay" over the developments in the build-up to the February 21 polls across Abuja's area councils.
The statement highlighted that such actions undermine genuine democratic contests and amount to "forced or induced melodramatic consensus."
It accused certain individuals "parading as leaders of the PDP" of promoting "voodoo democracy" aimed at serving external interests, specifically to "hold" the party for the President and replicate similar tactics ahead of the 2027 presidential election compelling candidates to step down for a "smooth sail" despite alleged poor performance.
The PDP further stated that it was precisely for such "ignoble, reckless and shameless acts" that those responsible were "excommunicated" from the party, as part of efforts to rebuild a strong opposition capable of returning to power in 2027.
The statement urged voters to turn out en masse, protect their votes, and ensure that presiding officers at polling units transmit Form EC8A (statement of results) immediately after results are announced.
The condemnations come amid reports of multiple PDP chairmanship candidates in councils like Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Bwari stepping down in favor of All Progressives Congress (APC) rivals, with some citing interventions by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
These withdrawals have occurred just days before the election, sparking controversy over party discipline and external influence in the FCT polls.
The PDP's NWC insisted that the withdrawals do not reflect the official position of the party and reaffirmed its commitment to contesting vigorously where candidates remain in the race.
The elections are set to determine leadership in the FCT's six area councils, with over 1.5 million registered voters expected to participate.
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