PDP faction slams candidate withdrawals in FCT elections
A deepening political crisis has emerged in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a PDP faction slams candidate withdrawals in FCT elections as anti-democratic, accusing unnamed political forces of undermining opposition participation ahead of the crucial Area Council polls.
The controversy follows the sudden withdrawal of at least two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidates in Abuja area councils, sparking outrage among party stakeholders and raising concerns about electoral integrity and internal party autonomy.
The PDP faction slams candidate withdrawals in FCT elections after the party’s chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Zadna Dantani, formally withdrew from the race and endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate. 
The development was preceded by a similar withdrawal by the PDP chairmanship candidate for Bwari Area Council, Julius Adamu, who also stepped down and backed the APC candidate ahead of the elections. 
These back-to-back withdrawals triggered strong reactions from sections of the PDP leadership.
PDP faction condemns withdrawals
The PDP faction slams candidate withdrawals in FCT elections, describing the decisions as politically dangerous and inconsistent with democratic principles.
Party leaders argue that the withdrawals undermine voter choice and weaken opposition participation in the democratic process.
A faction of the party’s National Working Committee said the decisions were taken without proper consultation and did not reflect the official position of the PDP.
The faction insisted that the withdrawals raise serious concerns about internal party discipline and democratic legitimacy.
The PDP faction slams candidate withdrawals in FCT elections and warned that allowing such actions to continue could erode public confidence in electoral competition.
Allegations of external political influence
The withdrawals have intensified allegations of political pressure and interference.
Reports indicate that the withdrawing candidates cited consultations with political stakeholders, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as part of their decision-making process. 
The PDP faction slams candidate withdrawals in FCT elections, arguing that such influence raises troubling questions about political independence and opposition rights.
Party officials warned that external interference in opposition party decisions could threaten Nigeria’s democratic structure.
Political analysts say the controversy highlights the strategic importance of the FCT elections.
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Strategic importance of the FCT elections
The FCT Area Council elections are uniquely significant because they are conducted directly by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), unlike local government elections in states which are run by state electoral bodies. 
This makes them a critical indicator of political strength at the grassroots level.
The PDP faction slams candidate withdrawals in FCT elections, warning that opposition participation is essential for democratic credibility.
The withdrawals have significantly altered the electoral landscape.
With PDP candidates stepping down, APC candidates now face reduced opposition in key races.
Internal PDP crisis deepens
The PDP faction slams candidate withdrawals in FCT elections as part of broader internal party tensions.
The party has experienced internal divisions, leadership disputes, and factional disagreements in recent years.
Political observers say these withdrawals reflect deeper structural challenges within the PDP.
The controversy underscores ongoing struggles over party control, political influence, and electoral strategy.
Democratic implications
The PDP faction slams candidate withdrawals in FCT elections, warning that the trend could undermine democratic competition.
Experts say democratic systems rely on genuine political competition and voter choice.
Candidate withdrawals that appear coordinated or influenced by external forces raise serious democratic concerns.
If opposition candidates withdraw en masse, elections risk becoming less competitive.
This could weaken democratic accountability.
Electoral integrity concerns
The PDP faction slams candidate withdrawals in FCT elections and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure transparency.
Party leaders urged electoral authorities to monitor political developments closely.
They stressed the importance of protecting democratic processes.
Observers say the controversy highlights the need for stronger institutional safeguards.
Broader political implications
The PDP faction slams candidate withdrawals in FCT elections amid growing political realignments ahead of future elections.
The withdrawals may reshape political dynamics in Abuja.
They could also affect the PDP’s ability to rebuild its political strength.
Analysts say the controversy reflects Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
What happens next
The PDP faction slams candidate withdrawals in FCT elections and is expected to review internal party procedures.
The party may also consider disciplinary actions.
The outcome could influence PDP unity and electoral strategy.
Ultimately, the controversy represents a major test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience.
The PDP faction slams candidate withdrawals in FCT elections, warning that democratic principles must be protected.
