Cracks Surface In NDC As Deputy Publicity Sec, Obi’s Northern Adviser Tanko Quit Party In Quick Succession

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has been hit by crisis as it suffered two high-profile departures in quick succession, raising questions about the party’s internal cohesion and political stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The developments involve Dr Yunusa Tanko, one of the prominent figures in the Obidient Movement and former Political Adviser (North) to the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Hon. Abdulmumin Ohiare Abdulsalami, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, who has formally resigned his membership.

Tanko, regarded as one of Obi’s leading supporters in Northern Nigeria, has moved to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he was unveiled as the National Coordinator of its Presidential Campaign Council.
He is expected to coordinate the campaign of the SDP’s presidential candidate, Prince sAdewole Adebayo, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tanko disclosed that he had resigned his appointment as Obi’s Political Adviser for Northern Nigeria on October 30, 2026, before accepting the SDP assignment. He also confirmed that he had informed Obi and the NDC National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, of his decision.

His departure is particularly significant given his previous role as National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, through which he coordinated support for Obi during the 2023 presidential election, and his subsequent appointment to oversee the former Anambra governor’s political engagement in the North.

In a related development, Abdulsalami has announced his resignation from the NDC, citing alleged internal injustice and the dominance of vested interests among some powerful party officials.
In a resignation letter addressed to the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, through the Chairman of Nagazi Ward in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, Abdulsalami announced his withdrawal from all ongoing technical and political commitments undertaken at the pleasure of Dickson.
Describing himself as a foundation member and critical formative leader of the NDC, the former deputy national publicity secretary said he was compelled to leave after realising that his sincere and positive contributions to the growth and success of the party were at variance with the interests of some influential individuals.
“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.

He added that his decision was also informed by his desire to protect his peace of mind rather than continue to express grievances over what he described as recurring injustices.

Abdulsalami expressed appreciation to Dickson for the opportunities given to him to serve the party in various capacities.
He disclosed that he had previously served as the Kogi State Protem Chairman before becoming the Deputy National Publicity Secretary and pioneer spokesperson of the NDC.

He also served as the party’s Deputy National Director for Labour and Civil Society.

The former spokesman thanked his erstwhile colleagues, civil society activists and media practitioners for their comradeship and support throughout his involvement in the party, particularly during its formative period.

Although the two departures are separate developments, their occurrence within a short period has drawn attention to the challenges confronting the NDC as it seeks to consolidate its political structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

While Tanko’s departure takes a prominent figure in Obi’s Northern political mobilisation into another party, Abdulsalami’s resignation brings allegations of internal dissatisfaction and perceived injustice directly into the public domain.

The developments raise fresh questions about the party’s ability to manage internal disagreements, retain key political figures and maintain cohesion as the 2027 electoral contest approaches.