The leadership crisis rocking the New Democratic Congress (NDC) in Plateau State deepened on Wednesday as party executives, including local government chairmen, passed a vote of no confidence in the state chairman, Comrade Solomon Yakubu-Ndam, over alleged anti-party activities and disregard for internal democracy.
The resolution was announced at a press briefing at Won Hotel, Trade Centre, Jos, attended by local government chairmen and other party officials. It was read by Mr Samuel James, identified as Plateau State chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
The executives said the move was aimed at restoring internal democracy and protecting the party’s image ahead of the 2027 general elections. They clarified that the vote did not automatically remove or suspend Yakubu-Ndam.
They said any disciplinary action must be taken by the appropriate party organs in accordance with the party’s constitution.
The executives identified the dispute over the Plateau governorship ticket as a major reason for their action. They accused Yakubu-Ndam of rejecting Dar Jonathan Sonde-Akun as the party’s candidate and declaring Alfred Dapal Damiyal, popularly known as ADD, the authentic flag bearer.
According to the signatories, Yakubu-Ndam made the declaration at a press conference on October 12, describing Akun’s nomination as a fabrication. They maintained that the final list of governorship candidates recognised Akun as the party’s flag bearer.
“The party office is a trust. Those who hold it must defend the party’s legitimate candidates, comply with lawful party decisions and protect unity, not undermine the party from within,” the executives said.
Also speaking, the NDC Deputy Chairman in Plateau State, Mr Lawson Mufuyai, defended Akun’s emergence, saying he completed the required nomination procedures.
Mufuyai said Akun paid the necessary fees, purchased the nomination form and underwent screening. He added that the party’s national headquarters had records of the process.
He alleged that some party leaders had taken sides in the dispute, prompting him and other executives to speak out. He said they had initially exercised restraint to preserve peace and prevent the crisis from destabilising the NDC.
The executives also questioned the substitution primary election reportedly held in Jos on September 15, 2026, urging the national headquarters to investigate whether it complied with the party’s constitution and applicable electoral laws.
They said they respected the judiciary and the right of individuals to seek legal redress, adding that their concerns centred on the conduct of party officials rather than Damiyal’s decision to approach the courts.
The signatories demanded a comprehensive account of the state chapter’s income and expenditure, including scrutiny of disputed spending where necessary. They stressed that no finding of financial misappropriation had been established against anyone.
They urged the national leadership to investigate the allegations against Yakubu-Ndam and other officials, review the state executive’s conduct and protect members against intimidation and exclusion.
Warning that the dispute could deepen divisions and weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections, the executives called for urgent intervention by the national leadership.
“The NDC belongs to its members. It must be governed by its constitution, collective decisions, accountability and democratic values, not by the preferences of any individual or faction,” they said.
