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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has suffered two high-profile departures within hours, with its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalami, resigning from the party amid allegations of internal injustice, while Peter Obi’s political adviser, Yunusa Tanko, has reportedly defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The developments have raised fresh questions about the party’s internal cohesion as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Abdulsalami announced his resignation with immediate effect in a letter addressed to the NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, through his former ward chairman in Kogi State.
In the letter, he accused some influential party officials of placing personal interests above the party’s progress, saying his contributions had become incompatible with their interests.
“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He added: “I have also, by this notification, withdrawn from all ongoing technical and political commitments entered into at the pleasure of the National Leader of the NDC.”
Describing himself as a foundation member who played a key role in establishing the party, Abdulsalami said he could no longer remain in an organisation where he believed his efforts were being undermined.
“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 cited repeated unfair treatment as a reason for leaving, saying he had chosen to protect his peace of mind rather than continue complaining about alleged injustices.
“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.
Abdulsalami did not name the officials he accused or provide specific details of the alleged injustices. However, he expressed appreciation to the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for the opportunities to serve.
He listed his previous positions as Kogi State Protem Chairman, Deputy National Publicity Secretary and pioneer spokesperson, as well as Deputy National Director for Labour and Civil Society.
He also thanked colleagues, civil society activists and media practitioners who supported the party’s formation and political activities.
His resignation came barely hours after Tanko, a former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement and Political Adviser (North) to Obi, reportedly left the NDC political camp for the SDP.
Tanko is said to have taken up the position of National Coordinator of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 election.
His departure is significant given his previous role in the Obidient Movement and his position in Obi’s political team.
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.
