Six NDC Governorship Candidates Reject Lawal as North-East Leader

Six governorship candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the North-East have rejected the appointment of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, as leader of the party in the region.

The candidates announced their position in a joint statement addressed to the NDC national leadership and National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

They said they would not recognise Lawal in the role, arguing that the decision to appoint him came without consultation with them or other stakeholders involved in building the party across the zone.

Lawal joined the NDC days before the announcement of his new responsibility. The former SGF had previously left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and later declared support for the NDC presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

The six governorship candidates said the national leadership should have consulted those contesting elections and mobilising support at the grassroots before taking a decision affecting the region.

They argued that local political realities should guide major decisions concerning the party’s operations in the six North-East states.

“After due consideration, we have unanimously resolved not to recognise Engr. Babachir Lawal as the Leader of the NDC in the North-East, and we will not recognise him as such,” the candidates said.

They also expressed concern that the appointment could affect the party’s prospects in the region. According to them, they did not believe the decision would strengthen the NDC’s electoral position.

The candidates said prior discussions with them would have allowed the national leadership to better understand the political situation and concerns in their respective states.

They therefore urged Dickson and other national leaders to reconsider the appointment and engage with them on the issue.

The candidates said dialogue would help preserve unity and cohesion within the party as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

The statement was signed by Aishatu Dahiru Ahamed of Adamawa State, Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim of Bauchi State, Rear Admiral S. Kashim Ibrahim (retd.) of Borno State, Babayo Ardo of Gombe State, Mohammed Sani of Taraba State and Ibrahim M. Shitu of Yobe State.

The candidates acknowledged the efforts of the NDC leadership to create a platform for political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, they maintained that their opposition to Lawal’s appointment remained unchanged.

“For the avoidance of doubt, our position is collective, firm and final: we do not recognise Engr. Babachir Lawal as the Leader of the NDC in the North-East, and we will not recognise him as such,” they said.

Lawal’s appointment followed his entry into the NDC, with the party seeking to strengthen its structures and campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

His emergence has now triggered disagreement among some of the party’s governorship candidates in the North-East.

The candidates’ objection centres on both the appointment process and its potential implications for the party’s organisation across the region.