Six governorship candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the North-East region have collectively rejected the appointment of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir Lawal, as the party's leader in the region. They stated that their decision is "collective, firm and final" and that they will not recognise Lawal in the position. The candidates, who are contesting for governorship positions in various states, expressed their dissatisfaction with the appointment.
The NDC governorship candidates argued that the appointment was made without consultation with them or other key stakeholders involved in building the party's structures and mobilising support across the region. They stated that they had unanimously resolved not to recognise Lawal as the NDC leader in the North-East after considering the circumstances surrounding the appointment. The candidates emphasised that political decisions affecting the region should take into account local realities and the views of stakeholders directly involved in the party's activities and electoral mobilisation.
The governorship candidates also expressed concern over the possible effect of Lawal's appointment on the party's electoral prospects in the North-East. They stated that the appointment, in their view, would not add electoral value to the party in the region. The candidates urged the national leadership to review the decision and engage with the affected governorship candidates in an effort to address their concerns. They appealed for dialogue in the interest of unity and cohesion within the party as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The statement rejecting Lawal's appointment was signed by six prominent individuals, including Aishatu Dahiru Ahamed of Adamawa State, Barr. Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim of Bauchi State, and Rear Admiral S. Kashim Ibrahim (Rtd.) of Borno State. Other signatories include Dr. Babayo Ardo of Gombe State, Prof. Mohammed Sani of Taraba State, and Ibrahim M. Shitu of Yobe State. The candidates acknowledged the efforts of the NDC national leadership in providing a platform for political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The rejection of Lawal's appointment by the NDC governorship candidates has significant implications for the party's operations in the North-East region. The candidates maintained that their opposition to Lawal's appointment remained unchanged, despite the national leadership's efforts to provide a platform for political participation. The development may affect the party's preparations for the 2027 general elections, which are expected to be highly competitive.
The NDC national leadership has not officially responded to the rejection of Lawal's appointment by the governorship candidates. However, the party's leadership is expected to address the concerns raised by the candidates and engage with them in an effort to resolve the issue. The outcome of the development will likely have a significant impact on the party's fortunes in the North-East region.
The rejection of Babachir Lawal's appointment as NDC leader in the North-East region highlights the internal challenges facing the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The development underscores the need for effective consultation and engagement within the party to ensure unity and cohesion. The NDC's ability to address the concerns of its governorship candidates will be crucial in determining its electoral prospects in the region.
Key points
- - The six NDC governorship candidates in the North-East region rejected Babachir Lawal's appointment as party leader due to a lack of consultation. - The candidates expressed concern that Lawal's appointment would not add electoral value to the party in the region. - The rejection has significant implications for the party's operations in the North-East region and its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
