The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing a significant internal rift in the North-East, as six governorship candidates from the region have formally rejected the appointment of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir Lawal, as the party’s regional leader.
Lawal’s appointment to oversee NDC activities and campaigns in the zone was announced just days after his entry into the party. The candidates, however, have described the move as a top-down imposition that bypasses local stakeholders.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday and addressed to the party’s national leadership and its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, the six governorship hopefuls declared their refusal to recognize Lawal’s leadership.
The signatories are Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Adamawa), Barr. Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim (Bauchi), Rear Admiral S. Kashim Ibrahim (rtd, Borno), Dr. Babayo Ardo (Gombe), Prof. Mohammed Sani (Taraba), and Ibrahim M. Shitu (Yobe).
“After due consideration, we have unanimously resolved not to recognize Engr. Babachir Lawal as the leader of the NDC in the North-East, and we will not recognize him as such,” the statement read, labeling their collective decision as “firm and final.”
The candidates criticized the national executive for failing to consult key stakeholders who have been spearheading grassroots mobilization across the region. They argued that “politics is local” and warned that imposing leaders without prior dialogue could jeopardize the NDC’s electoral prospects in the North-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While expressing support for the party’s broader goal of becoming a viable platform for 2027, the group urged Senator Dickson and the national leadership to immediately review the appointment to restore internal cohesion and regional unity.
As of Sunday evening, the national leadership of the NDC had yet to issue a formal response to the development.
