The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Plateau State faces a deepening crisis as rival factions have nominated parallel candidates for the 2027 governorship election, raising questions about the party’s unity and electoral strategy. The dispute centers on two figures: Jonathan Akuns, who emerged unopposed at the party’s May 29 governorship primary and is recognized by the national leadership, and Alfred Damiyal, endorsed by the state chapter in a separate September exercise. The conflict has intensified as both camps assert their legitimacy, leaving the party’s future in limbo.
The NDC’s internal schism began after national leadership formally recognized Akuns as the party’s candidate through a substitution/affirmation process held in Jos on September 15. However, the state chairman, Solomon Ndam, rejected the national delegation’s procedures and organized an alternative exercise on September 16, which affirmed Damiyal as the state’s candidate. The event, conducted at the party’s Jos secretariat and witnessed by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, marked a direct challenge to the national leadership’s authority.
Akuns, who was the sole aspirant at the May primary, reportedly purchased nomination forms costing ₦30 million and was declared unopposed. Party sources confirmed his nomination, but the national leadership later listed Ndam as the candidate in an official publication, sparking internal dissent. This led to calls for a revalidation process, culminating in the September affirmation of Damiyal. The state chapter argued that the governorship primary process fell under its jurisdiction, while the national leadership maintained exclusive control over such decisions.
Damiyal, a former PDP candidate who polled 5,036 votes in the 2026 PDP primary, has long advocated for economic reforms in Plateau. His 2022 commentary highlighted unemployment, poverty, and limited opportunities as drivers of insecurity, urging investment in agriculture, industry, and infrastructure. A profile published by a political platform describes him as an energy sector professional and entrepreneur, though these claims require independent verification. His campaign agenda, unveiled during the September affirmation, emphasized security, education, employment, and economic development—issues critical to Plateau’s stability.
The national leadership, however, has rejected Damiyal’s candidacy, asserting that Akuns remains the legitimate candidate. NDC National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu stated that the party had submitted Akuns’ name to INEC and warned that any alternative submissions would face legal challenges. The dispute has drawn attention from political stakeholders, including the Middle Belt Young Political Stakeholders, which urged the national leadership to intervene to prevent what it called an attempt to undermine the original primary results.
The conflict has exposed deeper divisions within the NDC’s Plateau structure. While the state chapter supports Damiyal, the national leadership insists on Akuns, creating a legal and procedural quagmire. The state chapter claims INEC monitored its process, but the national leadership argues that only authorized bodies can validate nominations. Ndam has denied wrongdoing, maintaining the state-level exercise was valid, while the national leadership has vowed not to recognize any candidate without its approval.
For Plateau voters, the immediate concern is who will represent the NDC in the 2027 election. The party’s internal discord risks weakening its electoral prospects, as both candidates face challenges in securing broad support. Damiyal’s focus on security and economic revitalization aligns with the state’s pressing needs, but his legitimacy remains contested. Akuns, backed by the national leadership, must navigate the fallout from the split to solidify his position.
The dispute also raises broader questions about the NDC’s internal governance. The conflict over primary procedures highlights tensions between national and state structures, with neither side willing to cede authority. This power struggle could undermine the party’s cohesion, particularly as the 2027 election approaches. Political analysts warn that unresolved divisions may lead to further fragmentation, complicating the NDC’s ability to present a unified front.
Public-interest implications are significant, as the NDC’s internal crisis could impact Plateau’s political landscape. The state has long grappled with insecurity, economic stagnation, and governance challenges, making a stable and effective leadership crucial. The current impasse risks delaying critical policy decisions and eroding public trust in the party’s capacity to address these issues.
The Middle Belt Young Political Stakeholders’ call for intervention underscores the urgency of resolving the dispute. The group argued that conducting a second primary after an unopposed candidate had been declared could expose the party to legal complications. Their appeal reflects growing concerns about the NDC’s ability to manage internal conflicts without jeopardizing its electoral prospects.
As the 2027 election nears, the NDC’s leadership must find a resolution to avoid further destabilizing the party. The outcome will determine whether the state’s voters face a contested candidate or a unified NDC nominee. Until the dispute is settled, the party’s future—and its ability to address Plateau’s challenges—remains uncertain.
The NDC’s internal conflict mirrors broader trends in Nigerian politics, where party infighting often undermines electoral competitiveness. The Plateau case highlights the risks of centralized control versus grassroots autonomy, with both sides claiming legitimacy. The resolution of this dispute will serve as a test of the NDC’s ability to reconcile its internal divisions and present a credible candidate to the electorate.
The situation also underscores the role of INEC in mediating party disputes. While the state chapter claims its process was monitored by the commission, the national leadership’s rejection of Damiyal’s candidacy suggests a lack of consensus on procedural norms. This ambiguity could set a precedent for future conflicts, complicating the party’s ability to conduct orderly primaries.
For now, the NDC remains split, with both Akuns and Damiyal vying for recognition. The party’s ability to resolve this crisis will shape its trajectory and influence the political dynamics in Plateau. As the 2027 election looms, the stakes for both the NDC and the state’s voters have never been higher.
The NDC’s internal crisis has drawn attention beyond Plateau, with observers noting its potential impact on the 2027 election. The party’s inability to present a unified candidate could create opportunities for rival parties to capitalize on its disarray. For now, the focus remains on whether the NDC can reconcile its divisions or risk further fragmentation in the lead-up to the election.
The resolution of the dispute will ultimately determine which candidate the NDC can lawfully present as its nominee. Until then, the party’s future—and the prospects for stable governance in Plateau—remain in flux. The coming months will test the NDC’s capacity to navigate its internal challenges and deliver a coherent electoral strategy to the state’s voters.
The NDC’s struggle in Plateau reflects the broader challenges facing Nigerian political parties in maintaining unity and coherence. As the 2027 election approaches, the party’s ability to resolve its internal conflicts will be critical to its electoral success and its capacity to address the state’s pressing needs.