Mr. Solomon Ndam, Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Plateau State, has called on the police to investigate documents used in the party’s governorship candidate substitution process. Addressing a news conference on Monday in Jos, Ndam alleged that a forged Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Form EC11B was used in an attempt to present Jonathan Sunday Akuns as the party’s governorship candidate. The chairman clarified that he executed the substitution form exclusively with Mr. Alfred Dapal, who was elected as the party’s governorship candidate during a substitution primary held on September 15. Ndam explained that he was initially elected as the NDC candidate during a primary held on May 29 and 30, but subsequently withdrew from the race to allow for a substitution primary in line with the state’s zoning arrangement. He added that Dapal emerged through affirmation as the sole aspirant during the substitution primary. According to Ndam, the electoral committee from the party’s national headquarters abruptly left the venue during the exercise, creating an administrative vacuum. In response, Ndam invoked Article 12(8)(iii) of the NDC constitution, which empowers state leadership to safeguard the party’s interests and complete candidate nomination under such circumstances. He alleged that a document bearing his name and photograph—but containing a signature he disowned—was later submitted in an attempt to upload Akuns as the candidate. “I executed INEC Form EC11B exclusively with Mr. Alfred Dapal,” Ndam emphasized. Ndam urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Plateau State Police Command to investigate the alleged forgery, identify those responsible, and prosecute them in accordance with the law. He also called on political stakeholders to respect due process, stressing that democratic procedures must not be undermined by criminal acts. Furthermore, the state chairman disclosed that a Federal High Court has issued an order restraining Akuns from parading himself as the NDC governorship candidate, pending the determination of a substantive suit filed by Dapal. Ndam urged NDC members across the 17 local government areas of Plateau State to remain steadfast and committed to the party, expressing confidence in its leadership and political prospects. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to transparency, assuring members that the alleged irregularities would not derail their political ambitions. (NAN)
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