By Eshioromeh Sebastian
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has been rocked by two high profile departures within hours, delivering a double blow to the party and to Peter Obi’s political camp ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the first exit, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalami, resigned with immediate effect, citing internal injustice and vested interests of a few powerful officers. Hours later, Yunusa Tanko, a former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement and Political Adviser (North) to Peter Obi, reportedly defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he is set to serve as National Coordinator of its Presidential Campaign Council.
Abdulsalami announced his resignation in a letter addressed to NDC National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas, submitted through his former ward chairman in Kogi State.
“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 wrote.
He added that he had also withdrawn from all ongoing technical and political commitments entered into at the pleasure of the party’s National Leader.
Describing himself as a foundation member and critical formative leader, Abdulsalami said his sincere contributions to the party’s rise were “at odds with the vested interests of a few powerful officers who call the shots.”
“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 stated.
He did not name the officials he accused or provide specific details of the alleged injustices. However, he expressed appreciation to National Leader Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for the opportunities to serve, listing his previous roles as Kogi State Protem Chairman, Deputy National Publicity Secretary and pioneer spokesperson, and Deputy National Director for Labour and Civil Society.
He also thanked colleagues, civil society activists and media practitioners who supported the party’s formation.
Tanko’s move to the SDP is significant given his previous role in the Obidient Movement and his position in Obi’s political team. He is said to have taken up the position of National Coordinator of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 election.
Although both departures occurred within hours, there is no evidence that they were coordinated or directly connected.
As of the time of filing this report, the NDC leadership had not publicly responded to Abdulsalami’s allegations or commented on the circumstances surrounding the two departures.
The developments have raised fresh questions about the party’s internal cohesion as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
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