Six governorship candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have declared their opposition to the appointment of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, as coordinator of the party’s North-East political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The candidates, representing Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states, said they would not recognise Lawal as the political leader of the NDC in the North-East.
In their joint statement to the NDC national leadership and National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the candidates argued that the appointment was made without sufficient consultation.
‘Our Position Is Final’
The governorship candidates described their position as “collective, firm and final,” stressing that stakeholders involved in grassroots mobilisation should have been consulted before a major regional political appointment was made.
They also raised questions about the possible electoral implications of the decision.
According to them, they were not persuaded that Lawal’s appointment would provide additional electoral value for the party across the North-East.
Signatories to the Statement
Those who signed the statement are:
Aishatu Dahiru Ahamed — Adamawa State
Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim — Bauchi State
Rear Admiral S. Kashim Ibrahim (retd.) — Borno State
Dr. Babayo Ardo — Gombe State
Prof. Mohammed Sani — Taraba State
Ibrahim M. Shitu — Yobe State
The candidates nevertheless acknowledged the role played by the NDC national leadership in creating a platform for political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Appeal for Dialogue
The candidates urged Dickson and other national leaders to reconsider the appointment and open discussions with them.
They argued that dialogue would help address the disagreement and strengthen cohesion ahead of the elections.
https://guardian.ng/news/bandits-abduct-five-in-zamfara-kidnap-couple-in-kwara/
Lawal joined the NDC recently and was subsequently assigned responsibility for overseeing the party’s political activities and campaigns across the North-East.
The dispute over his appointment has now become a significant internal issue for the party in the region.