The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing an internal crisis in the North-East region following the rejection of Engr. Babachir Lawal's appointment as the party's regional leader by its six governorship candidates. Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was appointed to oversee NDC activities and campaigns in the region just days after joining the party. This move has sparked opposition from local party stalwarts and the national executive ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The six governorship candidates, who represent the six North-East states, have issued a joint statement declaring that they will not recognize Lawal as their leader. They cited a lack of stakeholder consultation as the primary reason for their revolt. The candidates, who include Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Adamawa), Barr. Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim (Bauchi), Rear Admiral S. Kashim Ibrahim (retd., Borno), Dr. Babayo Ardo (Gombe), Prof. Mohammed Sani (Taraba), and Ibrahim M. Shitu (Yobe), described their decision as "collective, firm, and final."
The candidates emphasized that "politics is local" and criticized the national leadership for failing to engage key figures who have been driving grassroots mobilization across the region. They expressed strong reservations over Lawal's potential to add value to the party's electoral prospects, warning that imposing leaders without prior dialogue could jeopardize the NDC's chances across the six North-East states.
The candidates called on Senator Seriake Dickson, the NDC National Leader, and the party's national executive to immediately review the appointment in the interest of internal cohesion and regional unity. They acknowledged the leadership's broader efforts to position the NDC as a viable platform for the 2027 elections but stressed the need for consultation and dialogue in the appointment of regional leaders.
The rejection of Lawal's appointment highlights growing friction between local party stalwarts and the national executive ahead of the 2027 general elections. The NDC is working to strengthen its presence in the North-East region, but the internal crisis may hinder its efforts. The party's national leadership had not reacted to the development as of Sunday evening.
The six governorship candidates have been actively engaging with stakeholders in their respective states, and their rejection of Lawal's appointment suggests that they will not easily compromise on issues that affect the party's fortunes in the region. The development has raised questions about the party's ability to present a united front in the 2027 elections.
The NDC's internal crisis in the North-East region may have implications for the party's overall performance in the 2027 general elections. The party's national leadership will need to address the concerns of the governorship candidates and other stakeholders to prevent further divisions and ensure a strong presence in the region.
Key points
- The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing an internal crisis in the North-East region following the rejection of Engr. Babachir Lawal's appointment as the party's regional leader by its six governorship candidates.
- The six governorship candidates cited a lack of stakeholder consultation as the primary reason for their revolt against Lawal's appointment.
- The internal crisis may hinder the NDC's efforts to strengthen its presence in the North-East region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
