The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area has rejected alleged plans to substitute the winner of the party’s House of Representatives primary election for the Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency held on May 17, 2026.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Zonkwa on Saturday, the PDP Chairman in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Mr. Martins Koya, said the decision to oppose any substitution was unanimously reached by all ward executives from the 11 wards of the local government area, alongside two critical stakeholders from each ward.
Koya maintained that the outcome of the primary election must be respected, noting that Gideon Jock emerged first in the contest, Mathew Gwaza came second, while Rijo Shekari placed third among the aspirants who participated in the exercise.
According to him, any attempt to alter the outcome of the primary election would undermine the democratic process and disregard the wishes of party delegates who freely exercised their voting rights during the exercise.
The chairman said the resolution adopted by the ward executives and stakeholders reflected the collective position of the PDP structure in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area and was aimed at protecting the integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes.
Also speaking, PDP State Officer, Mr. Micah Audu, clarified that the position taken by party stakeholders was not borne out of personal dislike or opposition to Rijo Shekari.
Audu stressed that Rijo Shekari remained a respected member of the party and had every right to aspire for public office. However, he argued that replacing the name of the candidate who won the primary election would amount to disenfranchising delegates who participated in the process and disregarding the mandate they freely gave through their votes.
He stated that the issue at stake was not about personalities but about safeguarding the sanctity of the electoral process and ensuring that the will of party members, as expressed during the primary election, was respected.
According to him, party members and stakeholders who participated in the press conference were only demanding that the outcome of the primary election be upheld in the interest of justice, fairness, and the credibility of the PDP.
The stakeholders called on the state and national leadership of the party to respect the outcome of the primary election and ensure that the candidate who secured the highest votes during the contest is recognized as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 general election.
They further urged party members across the constituency to remain calm, united, and committed to the PDP while awaiting the final resolution of the matter by the appropriate organs of the party.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their loyalty to the PDP and pledged continued support for efforts aimed at strengthening the party ahead of future elections, stressing that adherence to due process remains essential for maintaining confidence among party members and supporters.
