Alleged imposition: Demsa LG boss booed at PDP ward congress
Tension has marred the recent ward congress of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Dilli ward, Demsa local government of Adamawa State as the chairman of the local government, Akham Jalo was allegedly booed over alleged attempts to impose ward executives.
It may be recalled that the PDP has conducted off-cycle ward congresses in several states preparatory to the national convention of the party.
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The incident, according to multiple party sources occurred at Dilli Ward, the chairman’s home ward. Trouble was said to have started when Jalo allegedly announced that the congress would not hold, insisting that the incumbent executive committee members had been directed to retain their seats.
A stakeholder, who spoke to this newspaper on condition of anonymity, said many members had mobilized in readiness for an open contest only to be told the process was already concluded.
“The chairman told everyone that, based on instructions from above, there would be no election because the current exco had been pencilled down to continue in office,” the source revealed.
The announcement reportedly angered the crowd, who reacted with boos and jeers. The situation quickly degenerated, forcing security operatives to whisk the chairman away for his safety.
Party members described the development as a “blatant disregard for democratic principles” and accused the local government boss of undermining the credibility of the exercise.
When contacted for comments, Chairman Jalo neither confirmed nor denied the allegations. Instead, he insisted he could only respond to the reporter in person.
“You must come to Demsa and meet me in my office before I can give you my side of the story,” he said briefly over the phone.
Similarly, SMS and WhatsApp messages sent to the chairman were not responded to as at the time of filing this report.
