The political crisis rocking Abaji Area Council has taken a sharper, more confrontational turn as social and human rights activist Manasseh B.P has publicly condemned the alleged suspension of salaries and attempted removal of three elected Ward Councilors, describing it as “a blatant violation of the Nigerian Constitution and an assault on grassroots democracy.”
This development follows earlier allegations first amplified by community organizer Muhammed Isah Hassan, that the Council Chairman, Abdullahi Umar (popularly known as “Pal Pal”), ordered the suspension of the councilors’ salaries for over three months and declared their seats vacant, reportedly for refusing to support his second-term ambition.
In a strongly worded statement, Manasseh B.P did not mince words.
“No elected official can be arbitrarily removed, suspended, or denied entitlements without due process of law. What is happening in Abaji is not politics—it is executive recklessness bordering on tyranny.”
Manasseh grounded his condemnation in specific provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, warning that the Chairman’s actions, if proven, violate multiple constitutional safeguards:
* Section 7(1) guarantees the existence of democratically elected local government councils. Any attempt to undermine elected representatives without lawful process threatens this constitutional protection.
* Section 36(1) provides for the right to fair hearing, meaning no individual—public officer or otherwise—can be punished or sanctioned without due process, investigation, and an opportunity to defend themselves.
* Additionally, established democratic practice and local government laws do not empower a council chairman to unilaterally declare elected legislative seats vacant or suspend salaries without legislative backing or judicial pronouncement.
“Declaring seats vacant is not a personal decision—it is a legal process. Denying salaries is economic intimidation. Both are unconstitutional,” Manasseh added.
Beyond condemnation, Manasseh B.P has taken a decisive step by urging the affected councilors to seek judicial intervention immediately.
“We strongly advise the affected councilors to approach a court of competent jurisdiction to challenge this abuse of power. Democracy must be defended within the framework of the law.”
He further revealed that his network of activists and legal professionals is prepared to back the embattled councilors.
“We are ready and willing to provide legal support to ensure justice is not only pursued but achieved. No elected representative should be punished for exercising independence.”
The situation in Abaji is rapidly evolving from a political dispute into a constitutional test case—one that could redefine the limits of executive authority at the local government level.
Civil society observers warn that if such actions go unchallenged, it could embolden other local leaders across the country to adopt similar tactics, effectively turning elected councils into extensions of personal political ambition.
For many, this is no longer just about Abaji.
It is about whether Nigeria’s democracy especially at its most vulnerable tier—can withstand the pressures of political intolerance, abuse of power, and the dangerous conflation of governance with personal loyalty.
As of press time, Abdullahi Umar has neither confirmed nor denied the allegations. His continued silence is only deepening public suspicion and fueling calls for intervention from the Federal Capital Territory Administration and relevant oversight bodies.
Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount.
From the streets of Abaji to the broader civic space, one message is becoming clear: this fight is no longer just political it is constitutional, and it may ultimately be decided in the courts.