Loyalist Akhyar Leave The Party, PDIP: Do Not Force The Medan Pilkada Nominations

MEDAN - Deputy Chairman of the DPD PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) North Sumatra (Sumut), Aswan Jaya, emphasized that the party has full authority to determine candidates in the Medan Pilkada. Neither party can force the will unilaterally to determine a candidate.

This response was conveyed in response to the withdrawal of Akhyar Nasution's loyalist Ade Darmawan from party membership. Ade is known to be a volunteer for the candidacy of Akhyar, a PDIP cadre who is currently acting as Mayor of Medan.

"There is nothing to prevent Akhyar from running for office, if Ade wants to run, go ahead and no one prohibits him. But don't force the PDI-P to nominate him, that's all," said Aswan when contacted by VOI, Wednesday, July 29.

Ade Darmawan's exit from the PDIP occurred amidst heated tensions for the mayor's candidacy in Medan. PDIP who is leaning towards Bobby Nasution is the reason for Akhyar to go to the Democrats to get a ticket for the Medan Pilkada.

Meanwhile, Ade Darmawan, in a press conference for his resignation from PDIP membership, admitted that he did not have the same principles as the party led by Megawati Soekarnoputri. Ade also commented on the Acting Chairman of the DPD PDIP North Sumatra, Djarot Saiful Hidayat, regarding the formulation of candidates for mayor in the Medan Regional Election, including regarding legal matters.

"If he has evidence of all his accusations then just report it to the police, so that it can be proven legally," said Aswan in response to Ade's statement.

The PDIP has yet to announce the candidate for mayor of Medan for the election on December 9, 2020. Meanwhile, Akhyar is looking for support, including meeting with the Democrat elite.

Chairman of the Medan City Democratic DPC, Burhanuddin Sitepu, who accompanied Akhyar to meet the Chairman of the Democratic Bappilu, Andi Arief, said Akhyar had openly expressed his desire to advance through the Democrats.

"He (Akhyar Nasution) seems to have known that the PDIP will nominate Bobby Nasution for the Medan Pilkada," said Burhanuddin, Monday, July 27.