The Nigeria Democratic Congress has recorded another major internal setback following the resignation of its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalami, who cited alleged unfair treatment, internal disagreements and the growing dominance of influential party members as reasons for his departure.
Abdulsalami communicated his decision in a resignation letter addressed to the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, through his former ward chairman in Kogi State.
He declared that his resignation would take immediate effect, bringing his membership and involvement in the party’s activities to an end.
His exit comes shortly after reports emerged that Yunusa Tanko, political adviser to Peter Obi and former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, had also left the NDC political camp for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Tanko is reportedly being considered for the position of National Coordinator of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Although both departures occurred within a relatively short period, there is no available evidence suggesting that they were jointly planned or linked. Nevertheless, Abdulsalami’s resignation has drawn attention to possible internal tensions within the NDC, particularly concerning the treatment of party members and the influence wielded by some senior officials.
In his resignation letter, the former deputy national publicity secretary explained that his decision followed growing dissatisfaction with what he described as the conduct of certain influential individuals within the party. He also announced his withdrawal from political and technical engagements undertaken on behalf of the NDC national leadership.
Expressing gratitude to God, Abdulsalami formally informed the party’s national and state structures of his decision to leave the organisation.
“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 further clarified that his departure would extend beyond his membership, affecting all outstanding responsibilities and assignments he had undertaken under the party’s leadership.
“I have also, by this notification, withdrawn from all ongoing technical and political commitments entered into at the pleasure of the National Leader of the NDC.”
Reflecting on his involvement in the party, Abdulsalami described himself as one of its founding members, claiming to have played a significant role in its establishment and early organisational development.
He alleged that his commitment to strengthening the party had increasingly come into conflict with the interests of a small group of powerful officials whom he accused of exerting considerable influence over its internal affairs.
According to him, the circumstances surrounding his continued involvement had become increasingly difficult, particularly as he believed his contributions were being undermined by individuals occupying influential positions within the organisation.
“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 indicated that repeated experiences of perceived unfairness had contributed significantly to his decision, suggesting that remaining in the party would mean continuing to contend with situations that had affected his personal satisfaction and peace of mind.
Explaining further, Abdulsalami maintained that leaving the organisation was necessary to protect his personal interests rather than remain in an environment where he believed his grievances were recurring.
“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,” Abdulsalami stated.
However, the former party official did not identify the individuals he accused of influencing the circumstances surrounding his resignation. Neither did he outline specific incidents or provide further details to substantiate the allegations contained in his letter.
Despite expressing dissatisfaction with certain aspects of his experience, Abdulsalami acknowledged the opportunities and political responsibilities entrusted to him during his time with the NDC.
He singled out the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for appreciation, recognising the opportunity to occupy several leadership positions from the party’s formative stages.
Among the positions he held were Kogi State Protem Chairman, Deputy National Publicity Secretary and pioneer spokesperson of the NDC. He also served as Deputy National Director for Labour and Civil Society.
Recalling his appointments and contributions, he said:
“More so, I wish to sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me by the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson to have served, firstly, as the Kogi State Protem Chairman, secondly, as the Deputy National Publicity Secretary/pioneer Spokesperson of the NDC, and, finally, as the Deputy National Director for Labour and Civil Society of the party,” he said.
Abdulsalami also recognised the support he received from associates and stakeholders who worked alongside him during the establishment and early development of the political platform.
He specifically acknowledged civil society campaigners, media professionals and former colleagues, noting their contributions to the party’s growth and the political activities they undertook together.
Expressing appreciation for their cooperation, he added:
“And to my erstwhile colleague-friends, civil society activists and media practitioners with whom I have worked assiduously to promote the party, I cannot thank you enough for the comradeship and support you all have accorded me since the infancy of the party, and throughout my partisan stewardship thereupon,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tanko’s reported movement to the SDP has further intensified attention on the unfolding political developments surrounding the NDC, particularly as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next general elections.
Tanko previously coordinated the Obidient Movement, a political support network that was instrumental in mobilising grassroots backing for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election.
He subsequently served as Obi’s Political Adviser for the North following the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s political realignment and reported movement towards the NDC.
The latest developments have raised questions about the party’s internal stability and its ability to retain key political figures as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually take shape.
As of the time of filing this report, the NDC leadership had yet to issue an official statement addressing Abdulsalami’s allegations or clarify the circumstances surrounding Tanko’s reported departure from the party.
