Six governorship candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the North-East region have unanimously rejected the appointment of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, as the party's leader in the region. The candidates, in a joint statement, expressed their opposition to Lawal's appointment, which was made without consulting them or other stakeholders who have been involved in building the party's structures and mobilizing support across the region.
The rejection comes days after Lawal joined the NDC and was assigned a leadership role overseeing the party's activities and campaigns in the North-East. The six candidates, who signed the joint statement, include Aishatu Dahiru Ahamed of Adamawa, Barr. Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim of Bauchi, Rear Admiral S. Kashim Ibrahim (retd.) of Borno, Dr Babayo Ardo of Gombe, Prof. Mohammed Sani of Taraba, and Ibrahim M. Shitu of Yobe. They argued that political decisions affecting the region should take into account the views of those operating at the grassroots, stressing that "politics is local."
The candidates expressed concern that Lawal's appointment could negatively impact the party's prospects in the six North-East states, insisting that they do not believe the decision would add electoral value to the party. They stated that prior consultation with the governorship candidates would have allowed the national leadership to better understand the political realities and concerns across the region. This, they believe, would have helped to avoid potential conflicts and ensure party unity.
The candidates urged the NDC national leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and other national leaders to review the appointment and engage them on the matter in the interest of party unity and cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections. While acknowledging the efforts of the NDC leadership in providing a platform for political participation, the candidates maintained that their objection to Lawal's appointment remained unchanged.
The joint statement emphasized that the candidates' position is collective, firm, and final, and that they do not recognize Lawal as the Leader of the NDC in the North-East. The candidates have called for a review of the appointment, citing the need for the party to consider the views of those at the grassroots level. This, they believe, is essential for building a strong and united party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Lawal's appointment as the NDC's leader in the North-East region has sparked controversy, with many stakeholders expressing their opposition to the move. The six governorship candidates have vowed to continue their opposition to Lawal's appointment, citing concerns about the party's electoral prospects in the region. The development has created tension within the party, with many waiting to see how the situation will be resolved.
The NDC's national leadership has yet to respond to the candidates' rejection of Lawal's appointment. However, the party's national leader, Senator Dickson, has been urged to engage with the candidates and other stakeholders to resolve the issue and ensure party unity. The outcome of this development will likely have significant implications for the party's performance in the 2027 elections.
Key points
- The six NDC governorship candidates in the North-East region have rejected Babachir Lawal's appointment as regional leader.
- The candidates cited lack of consultation and concerns about the party's electoral prospects in the region.
- The development has created tension within the party, with many stakeholders waiting to see how the situation will be resolved.
