NDC Holds State Congress in Plateau, Elects New Executive Leadership

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has successfully concluded its state congress in Plateau State, electing a new set of executives to lead the party into the next electoral cycle. The event, held in the state capital of Jos, was attended by delegates, party stakeholders, and supporters from across the state’s 17 local government areas.

Solomon Ndam Emerges as New State Chairman

In a process described by party officials as transparent and orderly, Solomon Ndam was elected as the new State Chairman of the NDC in Plateau. His emergence signals a renewed focus on internal democracy and party discipline, which have been key talking points among opposition parties in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ndam’s election comes at a critical time for the NDC, which is positioning itself as a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North-Central region. Plateau State, with its diverse ethnic and religious composition, is considered a strategic battleground for opposition parties seeking to expand their influence.

Congress Opens with Call for Inclusive Governance

Declaring the congress open, party chieftain Jonathan Sunday Akuns emphasized the NDC’s commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots development. He noted that the party’s policies would reflect the diverse needs of communities across the state, from rural farmers in Mangu and Bokkos to urban youth in Jos North and Jos South.

“The NDC is not just a political party; it is a movement for change,” Akuns said. “Our policies will be shaped by the voices of the people, not by the interests of a few elites.”

This statement aligns with the party’s broader national strategy of building a bottom-up political structure, where local chapters have significant autonomy in decision-making and resource allocation.

New Chairman Pledges Grassroots Mobilization and Unity

In his acceptance speech, Solomon Ndam outlined a clear vision for his tenure, prioritizing grassroots mobilization and internal unity. He acknowledged the challenges facing the party, including the need to heal internal divisions that have historically weakened opposition parties in Nigeria.

“My leadership will focus on strengthening the party’s structure at the community level,” Ndam said. “We will address key challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, and social divisions that have plagued our state for too long.”

Ndam’s emphasis on unemployment and insecurity is particularly relevant in Plateau State, which has experienced recurring ethno-religious conflicts and a high rate of youth unemployment. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Plateau’s youth unemployment rate stands at over 42%, significantly higher than the national average.

Membership Surge: Over 250,000 New Registrants

One of the most striking announcements during the congress was the revelation that the NDC has recorded a significant rise in membership across Plateau State. According to party officials, over 250,000 new members have been registered in a short period, signaling growing public disillusionment with the current administration and a shift in political allegiance.

This surge in membership is not unique to Plateau. Across the North-Central region, opposition parties have reported increased interest from voters who feel underserved by the APC-led government. Political analysts attribute this trend to rising inflation, insecurity, and a perceived lack of accountability at the federal level.

For the NDC, converting this membership surge into electoral success will require more than just numbers. The party must invest in voter education, candidate selection, and campaign infrastructure to ensure that new members are mobilized effectively on election day.

Stakeholders Call for Unity and Cooperation

Other stakeholders at the event called for unity and cooperation among party members, warning that internal strife could undermine the NDC’s prospects in 2027. Former party officials and elders urged the newly elected executives to prioritize dialogue and consensus-building over personal ambition.

“We have seen too many opposition parties fail because of infighting,” said a senior party elder who spoke on condition of anonymity. “The NDC must learn from these mistakes and present a united front to the electorate.”

This call for unity is particularly important in Plateau State, where political alliances are often fragile and subject to ethnic and religious considerations. The NDC’s ability to navigate these complexities will be a key test of Ndam’s leadership.

Looking Ahead: 2027 General Elections

The congress ended with a commitment by the newly elected executives to deepen grassroots engagement and expand the party’s presence across the state. Ndam expressed confidence in the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing growing support and increased membership as indicators of a shifting political landscape.

“The NDC is ready to offer Plateau State a new direction,” Ndam said. “We will work tirelessly to ensure that our party becomes the vehicle for the change that our people deserve.”

As the NDC prepares for the next electoral cycle, the party’s performance in Plateau State will be closely watched by political observers. If the new leadership can deliver on its promises of grassroots mobilization, internal unity, and issue-based campaigning, the NDC could emerge as a formidable force in the North-Central region.

For now, the party’s focus remains on building a sustainable political structure that can withstand the pressures of Nigeria’s often turbulent electoral environment. The congress in Jos was a step in that direction, but the real work lies ahead.