NDC crisis deepens as Binani camp challenges Lawal

The campaign organisation of the Nigeria Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani, has rejected accusations by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, accusing him of fuelling division within the party.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Mathias Yohanna, the campaign said it would not be intimidated by what it described as Lawal’s “indecent language” and personal attacks.

The response followed allegations by Lawal that some figures within the NDC were working against the party’s presidential ticket amid a widening disagreement over the party’s leadership structure in the North-East.

The Binani campaign said political disagreements should be conducted with dignity and respect rather than insults and name-calling.

“While we respect elders who stand for the truth, our respect should not be taken for granted,” the statement said.

It particularly objected to Lawal’s reported description of some governorship candidates as “so-called” candidates and “nincompoops”, arguing that such language was inappropriate for a former SGF.

The campaign also questioned Lawal’s claims to political influence in the North-East and accused him of promoting division at a time when party leaders should be working towards unity ahead of the 2027 general election.

It said Binani participated in a meeting of NDC governorship candidates where decisions concerning the political direction of the zone were taken.

The organisation maintained its position that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remains an important leader of the party in the North and said decisions reached collectively by stakeholders should be respected.

It added that freedom of expression should not become an excuse for personal attacks within the party.

The campaign called on the NDC national leadership to intervene in the dispute and encourage dialogue among stakeholders.

“We must admit that conscience, integrity and respect for one another should be the basis of any sound political engineering,” the statement said.

It urged party leaders to respect collective decision-making and work towards restoring unity and stability within the NDC.