The campaign organisation of Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Adamawa State, has rejected accusations by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir Lawal. The organisation described the accusations as unsubstantiated and politically divisive. This response follows Lawal's recent statement after emerging as a leader of the NDC's political activities in the North-East.
Lawal had accused Binani and other NDC governorship candidates in the northern zone of working against the party's presidential ticket. The Binani campaign organisation, in a statement signed by Hon. Mathias Yohanna, said it would not be intimidated by what it described as "indecent language" or personal attacks. The organisation emphasised Binani's participation in a democratically convened meeting of NDC governorship candidates where decisions concerning the North-East were taken.
The campaign organisation remains committed to recognising Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as the party's leader in the North. The statement said, "While we respect elders who stand for the truth, our respect should not be taken for granted." It faulted Lawal for allegedly referring to some NDC governorship candidates as "so-called gubernatorial" candidates and "nincompoops".
The campaign organisation accused Lawal of engaging in divisive politics rather than building unity within the party. They urged him to adopt the dignity expected of political leaders seeking the mandate of citizens. The statement challenged Lawal's political influence, questioning whether his political weight alone could determine the outcome of the North-East political contest.
The campaign organisation called on the national leadership of the NDC to intervene in the dispute and call Lawal to order. They stressed that the party's constitution and principles should guide political debates and interactions among members. This appeal comes as candidates intensify efforts to outshine their opponents ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisation's statement taunts Lawal as a "media tiger" known for unguarded utterances, adding that he has no political value even in his ward. The campaign organisation urged the promotion of "conscience, integrity and respect for one another" as the basis for building a united and peaceful party.
The crisis within the NDC highlights the challenges faced by the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections. The party's ability to manage internal conflicts and present a united front will be crucial in the upcoming polls. Key to this will be the national leadership's handling of the dispute between Lawal and Binani's campaign organisation.
Key points
- The Binani campaign organisation has rejected accusations by former SGF Engr. Babachir Lawal.
- The organisation accused Lawal of engaging in divisive politics.
- The NDC national leadership has been urged to intervene in the dispute.
