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Six governorship candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the North East have rejected the nomination of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir Lawal, as party leader in the region.
The candidates said they would not recognize Lawal in the position, describing their decision as “collective, firm and final.”
Appointment thwarted due to lack of consultation
In a joint statement addressed to the party’s national leadership and signed by Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the six candidates said the nomination was made without consultation with them or other key stakeholders involved in building the party’s structures and mobilizing support across the region.
They said that after considering the circumstances of the appointment, they unanimously decided not to recognize Lawal as leader of the NDC in the North East.
“After adequate consideration, we have unanimously decided not to recognize Engineer Babachir Lawal as the leader of the NDC in the North East, and we will not recognize him as such,” they said.
The candidates argued that political decisions affecting the region should take into account local realities and the views of stakeholders directly involved in party activities and electoral mobilization in the six states.
They said consulting with gubernatorial candidates prior to nomination would allow the national leadership to better understand the political realities and concerns within the region.
Candidates raise electoral concerns
Candidates for governor have also expressed concern about the possible effects of Lawal’s nomination on the party’s electoral prospects in the Northeast.
According to them, the appointment, in their opinion, would not add electoral value to the party in the region.
They therefore urged national leadership to review the decision and engage with affected gubernatorial candidates in an effort to address their concerns.
The candidates called for dialogue in the interest of unity and cohesion within the party as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
The statement was signed by Aishatu Dahiru Ahamed of Adamawa State, Barr. Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim of Bauchi State, Rear Admiral S. Kashim Ibrahim (Rtd.) of Borno State, Dr. Babayo Ardo of Gombe State, Prof. Mohammed Sani of Taraba State and Ibrahim M. Shitu of Yobe State.
While acknowledging the efforts of the NDC national leadership in providing a platform for political participation ahead of the 2027 elections, the candidates 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 recognize Engineer Babachir Lawal as the leader of the NDC in the North East, and we will not recognize him as such,” they said.
