Fresh Crisis Hits Peter Obi’s NDC As Deputy Spokesman Resigns

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has suffered another setback following the resignation of its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalami, amid allegations of internal injustice and the growing influence of powerful individuals within the party.

Abdulsalami announced his resignation with immediate effect in a letter addressed to the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, through his former ward chairman in Kogi State.

His departure came just hours after Yunusa Tanko, a political adviser to Peter Obi and former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, reportedly left the NDC political camp for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Tanko is expected to serve as the National Coordinator of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Although the departures happened within a short period, there is no indication that both decisions were coordinated or connected.

However, Abdulsalami’s resignation letter has brought allegations of internal disagreements and dissatisfaction within the party into public attention.

In his letter, the former deputy national publicity secretary said he had decided to end his membership of the NDC after becoming dissatisfied with the treatment he allegedly received from some influential members.

He also announced his withdrawal from political and technical assignments he had undertaken on behalf of the party’s national leadership.

Explaining his decision, Abdulsalami expressed appreciation to God before formally notifying the party’s national and state structures of his departure.

“With a deep sense of gratitude to almighty Allah, I hereby notify the national and sub-national organs of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), through my former ward chairman, of my resignation from the party,” he stated.

He further made it clear that his resignation would affect all responsibilities he had been handling within the party.

“I have also, by this notification, withdrawn from all ongoing technical and political commitments entered into at the pleasure of the National Leader of the NDC.”

Abdulsalami described himself as one of the founding members of the NDC who played an important role during its establishment and early political activities.

He alleged that his efforts towards building the party had increasingly clashed with the interests of certain influential officials who, according to him, exercise considerable control over its affairs.

The former party official said he could no longer continue working in an environment where his contributions were allegedly being undermined by individuals occupying powerful positions.

“As a foundation member of the NDC, ditto a critical formative leader in the party, I am compelled to voluntarily take the exit having realized that my sincere and positive contributions to the meteoric rise and success of the party are at odds with the vested interests of a few powerful officers who call the shots,” he said.

He also suggested that his decision was influenced by repeated experiences which he considered unfair.

According to him, leaving the party would allow him to protect his personal well-being rather than remain involved in an environment where he had continued to express dissatisfaction.

“More so, this painstaking decision serves my best interest as I prioritise my peace of mind rather than recurrent complaints at the sight of series of injustice meted out to me,” Abdulsalami stated.

However, he did not mention the names of the officials allegedly responsible for the treatment he complained about. He also did not provide specific incidents to support his claims in the resignation letter.

Despite the circumstances surrounding his departure, Abdulsalami acknowledged the opportunities he received during his time in the NDC.

He particularly appreciated the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for allowing him to serve in different capacities.

He disclosed that his political responsibilities included serving as the Kogi State Protem Chairman, Deputy National Publicity Secretary and pioneer spokesperson of the party.

He also served as Deputy National Director for Labour and Civil Society.

“More so, I wish to sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me by the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson to have served, firstly, as the Kogi State Protem Chairman, secondly, as the Deputy National Publicity Secretary/pioneer Spokesperson of the NDC, and, finally, as the Deputy National Director for Labour and Civil Society of the party,” he said.

The former spokesman also extended his appreciation to individuals who worked with him during the party’s formative period.

He recognised the contributions of civil society activists, media practitioners and former colleagues who supported his political activities and efforts to promote the NDC.

“And to my erstwhile colleague-friends, civil society activists and media practitioners with whom I have worked assiduously to promote the party, I cannot thank you enough for the comradeship and support you all have accorded me since the infancy of the party, and throughout my partisan stewardship thereupon,” he added.

Meanwhile, Tanko’s reported departure has added another dimension to the developments surrounding the party.

Tanko previously served as the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, a political support group that played a major role in mobilising support for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election.

He later became Obi’s Political Adviser for the North following the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s political movement towards the NDC.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the NDC leadership addressing the allegations made by the former deputy national publicity secretary or providing further details about Tanko’s reported departure.