A former governorship aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Taraba State, Philip Johnson, has announced his resignation from the party, alleging that he was denied victory in the party’s governorship primary election.
Johnson disclosed his decision in a resignation letter addressed to the NDC Chairman in Taraba State, where he accused the party leadership of compromising the integrity of the primary process.
Explaining the reason behind his exit, Johnson alleged that the governorship primary was conducted peacefully across the state’s 16 local government areas and that results gathered from the exercise indicated that he emerged as the winner.
According to him, the process was transparent and orderly until the point when the official declaration of results was expected.
The former aspirant claimed that members of the electoral panel later informed contestants that the final announcement would be made in Abuja following directives from the party’s national leadership.
He further alleged that the outcome was subsequently altered in favour of another aspirant despite what he described as his victory at the polls.
Accuses Party of Abandoning Democratic Principles
Johnson said the development left him disappointed, accusing the party of abandoning the ideals of fairness, justice, and internal democracy.
He argued that the events surrounding the primary contradicted the values the NDC had publicly promoted.
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“It is unfortunate that a party which presented itself as a platform for progressive change and democratic values has chosen to embrace the very practices it was expected to reject,” he stated in the letter.
Resignation Deepens Questions Over Internal Party Process
The resignation adds a new dimension to concerns over internal party disputes ahead of future political contests in Taraba State.
While Johnson maintains that the primary process was manipulated, the party had yet to publicly respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
His departure marks the latest political development within the NDC in Taraba, where debates over the conduct of party primaries continue to generate reactions among stakeholders.