A leading aspirant for the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency seat under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. David Lahandu Dama, has accused the Plateau State leadership of the party of bypassing democratic procedures in the selection of its candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing journalists in Jos on Monday, Dama alleged that no valid primary election was conducted to determine the party’s candidate for the constituency, describing the process as a violation of internal democratic principles.
According to him, the party leadership failed to organize either a transparent primary election or a genuine consensus process, opting instead for what he termed a “fraudulent backroom selection process.”
“There was no primary election conducted in the selection of who the party is expected to present as candidate for House of Representatives to represent the people of Jos North/Bassa,” Dama said.
The aspirant further alleged that the state leadership had disregarded the party’s constitutional guidelines and the provisions of the Electoral Act by allegedly imposing a preferred candidate on party members.
He claimed that the development had alienated grassroots members and created distrust among supporters who had worked to build the party’s presence in the constituency.
Dama also called on the national leadership of the NDC to intervene and review the selection process, insisting that the decision of the Plateau State chapter should not be allowed to stand.
“We demand a total review of this fraudulent selection process. We demand a return to first principles where the rule of law and democratic accountability reign supreme,” he stated.
Despite his grievances, the aspirant urged his supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while consultations continue on the next line of action.
He noted that his team was engaging stakeholders across the constituency and would communicate its next political decision in the coming days.
The allegations come amid growing concerns over internal democracy within political parties as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As of press time, the NDC leadership in Plateau State had yet to publicly comment on the claims raised by the aspirant
