By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State have called on the party’s state and national leadership to uphold the outcome of the House of Representatives primary election for the Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency held on May 17, 2026.

The appeal was made during a press conference in Zonkwa on Saturday, where the PDP Chairman in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Mr. Martins Koya, said ward executives from the council’s 11 wards, alongside other key stakeholders, had resolved to support the outcome of the primary election.

According to Koya, the exercise produced Gideon Jock as the leading candidate, while Mathew Gwaza and Rijo Shekari emerged second and third, respectively.

He said the stakeholders believe that respecting the outcome of the election is essential for sustaining confidence in the party’s internal democratic processes and preserving the mandate expressed by delegates during the exercise.

“Our position is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the party’s internal democratic process and ensuring that the mandate freely given by delegates is respected,” Koya said.

He added that the resolution reflected the collective position of party officials and stakeholders who attended the meeting.

Also speaking at the briefing, PDP State Officer, Mr. Micah Audu, said the stakeholders’ position should not be interpreted as opposition to any aspirant.

Audu described Rijo Shekari as a respected member of the party with every right to seek elective office, stressing that the stakeholders’ concern was centred on due process and respect for the outcome of the primary election.

“This is not about personalities. It is about protecting the sanctity of the electoral process and ensuring that the will of party members, as expressed through the primary election, is upheld,” he said.

The stakeholders appealed to the PDP leadership at both the state and national levels to ensure that all decisions regarding the constituency’s candidacy are guided by the party’s constitution, guidelines and established procedures.

They also urged party members across the constituency to remain calm, united and committed to the party while awaiting decisions from the appropriate organs of the PDP.

The stakeholders reaffirmed their loyalty to the party and pledged continued support for efforts aimed at strengthening the PDP ahead of future elections.