2027: Crisis emerges in NDC as spokesman, Peter Obi’s adviser quit

By Tolulope Oke

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the political platform of presidential candidate Peter Obi, has suffered two major political setbacks following the resignation of its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalami, and the defection of Obi’s former political adviser, Yunusa Tanko, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Abdulsalami announced his resignation on Wednesday, accusing powerful individuals within the NDC of frustrating his contributions to the party and subjecting him to repeated injustice.

His announcement came hours after Tanko, a former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, was unveiled as National Coordinator of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The developments have raised fresh questions about cohesion within the NDC as Obi prepares to challenge President Bola Tinubu for the presidency.

In a resignation letter addressed to the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, through his ward chairman in Kogi State, Abdulsalami said he was leaving with immediate effect.

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

The former deputy spokesman, who described himself as a founding member of the NDC, alleged that influential officials had made it increasingly difficult for him to contribute meaningfully to the party.

“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 stated.

Abdulsalami said his decision followed what he described as persistent unfair treatment, adding that he preferred to protect his peace of mind rather than continue complaining about internal injustice.

“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,” he said.

He, however, expressed appreciation to the NDC National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for giving him opportunities to serve in various capacities.

Abdulsalami recalled serving as the party’s Kogi State Protem Chairman, pioneer spokesperson, Deputy National Publicity Secretary and Deputy National Director for Labour and Civil Society.

He also thanked political associates, journalists and civil society activists who supported him during his involvement in the party.

The former deputy spokesman did not identify the powerful officials he accused of undermining his contributions or provide specific instances of the alleged injustice.

Obi’s Former Adviser Joins Rival SDP

Abdulsalami’s resignation coincided with the unveiling of Tanko as a key figure in the SDP’s presidential campaign.

Tanko, who previously coordinated the Obidient Movement and served as Obi’s Political Adviser for Northern Nigeria, accepted an appointment to lead the SDP presidential campaign coordination efforts.

He was unveiled on Wednesday during the inauguration of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Tanko disclosed that he had resigned from his advisory role under Obi on October 30, 2026, before accepting the new appointment.

He said he had informed Obi and Dickson of his decision.

Tanko pledged to work with the SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, and his running mate, Usman Bugaje, to secure victory in the 2027 election.

He described the SDP as a people-oriented political party committed to advancing the interests of disadvantaged Nigerians.

Tanko’s departure is politically significant because of his longstanding association with Obi and his previous role in coordinating the movement that mobilised support for the former Anambra State governor.

Although both developments became public on Wednesday, Tanko’s resignation from Obi’s advisory team had taken effect nearly two weeks earlier.

There is also no evidence that his departure and Abdulsalami’s resignation were coordinated.

Nevertheless, the two developments have placed renewed attention on the NDC’s internal relationships and political organisation ahead of the presidential election.

As of the time of the reports, the party’s national leadership had not publicly responded to Abdulsalami’s allegations.