The campaign organisation of Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani, the Nigeria Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Adamawa State, has rejected accusations by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal. Lawal accused Binani's camp of fuelling division within the party. Binani's campaign organisation, through its Director of Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Mathias Yohanna, stated that it would not be intimidated by Lawal's "indecent language" and personal attacks.
The disagreement arose amid a widening rift over the party's leadership structure in the North-East. Lawal alleged that some figures within the NDC were working against the party's presidential ticket. Binani's campaign organisation responded, stating that political disagreements should be conducted with dignity and respect, rather than insults and name-calling. The organisation objected to Lawal's reported description of some governorship candidates as "so-called" candidates and "nincompoops", deeming such language inappropriate for a former SGF.
Binani's campaign organisation questioned Lawal's claims to political influence in the North-East and accused him of promoting division. This is at a time when party leaders should be working towards unity ahead of the 2027 general election. The organisation stated that Binani participated in a meeting of NDC governorship candidates, where decisions concerning the political direction of the zone were taken.
The campaign organisation maintained its position that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remains an important leader of the party in the North. They said decisions reached collectively by stakeholders should be respected. The organisation added that freedom of expression should not become an excuse for personal attacks within the party.
Binani's campaign organisation called on the NDC national leadership to intervene in the dispute and encourage dialogue among stakeholders. They stated that conscience, integrity, and respect for one another should be the basis of any sound political engineering. The organisation urged party leaders to respect collective decision-making and work towards restoring unity and stability within the NDC.
The NDC crisis deepens as the party struggles with internal conflicts. The disagreement between Binani's camp and Lawal highlights the challenges facing the party ahead of the 2027 general election. The party's ability to resolve its internal conflicts will be crucial in determining its chances of success in the election.
The outcome of the NDC crisis will have significant implications for the party's future. The party's leadership must take steps to address the concerns of its members and work towards unity. Failure to do so may lead to further divisions and undermine the party's chances of success in the 2027 general election.
Key points
- The NDC crisis highlights the challenges facing Nigeria's opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
