Aspirant for the Jos-North/Bassa Federal Constituency seat under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. David Lahandu Dama, has raised concerns over what he described as a “collapse of internal democracy” within the party’s Plateau State chapter, alleging irregularities in the process used to select its candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Dama made the allegations on Monday, June 22, 2026, during a press conference addressed to journalists, campaign supporters, and stakeholders in the constituency.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of the party in Plateau State, accusing it of sidelining due process in the selection of its House of Representatives candidate.
According to him, no primary election was conducted, nor was a clear consensus process transparently reached among aspirants, contrary to what he expected of a party he initially believed represented “a breath of fresh air” and a platform for transparent political reform.
“What we have witnessed is a coordinated undemocratic process masquerading as democracy,” he said, alleging that party leaders resorted to backroom arrangements that bypassed internal guidelines and provisions of the Electoral Act.
He further claimed that the absence of a transparent primary had weakened trust within the party, warning that such practices risk turning the party into “a caricature of the old system” it once sought to replace.
Dama also alleged that legitimate aspirants were excluded from the selection process, describing the development as a “moral and administrative failure” that undermines internal accountability and alienates grassroots supporters.
He questioned the rationale behind what he termed an “imposed candidate,” arguing that a transparent primary would have strengthened the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 elections.
Addressing his supporters, the aspirant called for calm and reassured them of his continued commitment to grassroots advocacy and representation.
“To my supporters across Jos-North and Bassa, your disappointment is understood and shared,” he said, urging them to remain peaceful while consultations continue on the way forward.
He maintained that his political movement remains committed to representing citizens’ interests, particularly on issues affecting security, livelihoods, and youth opportunities.
Dama concluded by calling on the national leadership of the NDC to intervene and review what he described as a flawed selection process, insisting that justice and internal democratic principles must be restored within the party.
He added that further political steps would be communicated after consultations with stakeholders across the constituency.
The NDC leadership in Plateau State has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.