Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Abdulmumin Abdulsalami, says he resigned from the party to protect his peace of mind, accusing some senior officials of marginalising him and undermining internal democracy.
Speaking during an interview with Arise News on Thursday, Abdulsalami said his decision followed repeated disagreements with party officials, particularly the National Secretary, whom he accused of orchestrating his removal from the National Working Committee and excluding him from key party activities.
He said he also wanted to prevent the disagreements from developing into a wider crisis that could distract the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.
Explaining his decision, Abdulsalami said, “I needed to prioritise my peace of mind and most importantly, avoid throwing bad spanners in the works of the NDC.”
Alleges Marginalisation By Party Officials
Abdulsalami, who described himself as a foundation member involved in building the NDC from its inception, said the party initially reflected his political ideals but that problems emerged after his appointment as Deputy National Publicity Secretary and spokesperson.
He alleged that some officials became uncomfortable with his closeness to the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and subsequently worked to undermine his position.
According to him, the National Secretary orchestrated his removal from the National Working Committee and replaced him with people who had joined the party later.
He also alleged that he was excluded from committees established after the party’s convention, including those involved in the nomination of candidates.
“I was technically excluded from the internal activities of the party regarding nomination of candidates,” he said.
He described the disagreement as a personal dispute which eventually developed into a wider struggle involving other party officials.
“It was pure act of jealousy, primitive act of envy,” he said.
Abdulsalami maintained that he repeatedly complained to Dickson but was unable to secure a resolution.
Says NDC Is Run By Small Clique
The former spokesperson accused members of the party’s National Working Committee of prioritising personal interests and financial gains over the NDC’s founding principles.
He alleged that a small group controlled decisions within the committee, leaving the National Leader with limited influence over its activities.
“In fact, I could tell you that the party’s NWC has been cabalized..” he said.
He called on Dickson to reform the party and review its constitution, warning that failure to address the alleged problems could affect the electoral prospects of its candidates, including Peter Obi.
Abdulsalami also said he left to prevent the disagreement from triggering further divisions among younger members who shared his concerns.
“I didn’t let him win. I only avoided a crisis,” he said.
Rules Out Reconciliation
Abdulsalami said his resignation was final and ruled out returning to the NDC, even if the party’s leadership attempted to address his grievances.
He accused the National Working Committee of undermining Dickson’s ideology, saying the situation had changed his perception of the party he helped establish.
“My decision is irreversible,” he said.
He disclosed that he would be moving to another political camp in the coming weeks but ruled out joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that his political background was rooted in opposition politics.
Describes Tanko’s Departure As Coincidence
On the resignation of former National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, who also left Peter Obi’s political advisory team for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Abdulsalami said the two departures were not coordinated.
He described the development as a coincidence but suggested that Tanko had also been dissatisfied with developments within the party.
According to him, Tanko had expected greater responsibility after his contributions during the 2023 general election but was disappointed by subsequent developments.
Abdulsalami further claimed that other members were considering leaving the party because of dissatisfaction with the National Working Committee.
He warned that if the party maintained its current structure without reforms, it could affect Obi’s candidacy and those of other NDC candidates.
The NDC has a right of reply to the allegations.
Ademide Adebayo
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