The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the political platform of former Anambra State Governor and presidential hopeful Peter Obi, has suffered two significant political setbacks following the resignation of its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalami, and the defection of Obi’s former political adviser, Yunusa Tanko, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The twin developments, which became public on Wednesday, have raised fresh questions about the NDC’s internal cohesion and political strength as opposition parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.
While Abdulsalami announced his immediate resignation, citing alleged internal injustice and frustration by influential party officials, Tanko was unveiled as the National Coordinator of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council.
Abdulsalami communicated his decision in a resignation letter addressed to the NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, through his ward chairman in Kogi State.
In the letter, he announced his withdrawal from all political and technical assignments undertaken on behalf of the party’s national leadership.
Describing himself as a founding member and one of the party’s formative leaders, Abdulsalami accused certain powerful officials of frustrating his efforts and preventing him from making meaningful contributions.
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“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 stated.
He explained that his decision was also informed by what he described as repeated experiences of unfair treatment, adding that he would rather protect his peace of mind than continue complaining about internal disagreements.
“More so, this painstaking decision serves my best interest as I prioritise my peace of mind rather than recurrent complaints at the sight of a series of injustice meted out to me,” he added.
Although Abdulsalami did not identify the officials allegedly responsible for his grievances or provide specific details of the incidents, he expressed appreciation to the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for the opportunities given to him.
He recalled serving the NDC in several capacities, including Kogi State Protem Chairman, pioneer spokesperson, Deputy National Publicity Secretary and Deputy National Director for Labour and Civil Society.
He also acknowledged the support of political associates, journalists and civil society activists during his time in the party.
Tanko joins SDP presidential campaign
Abdulsalami’s resignation came amid the emergence of Tanko, a prominent political associate of Obi, in the SDP’s presidential campaign structure.
Tanko, who previously served as National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement and Political Adviser to Obi on Northern Nigeria, was unveiled on Wednesday as National Coordinator of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja.
His appointment followed his resignation from Obi’s advisory team, which he disclosed took effect on October 30, 2026.
Speaking during the inauguration of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council, Tanko said he had informed both Obi and Dickson of his decision before accepting the new assignment.
He pledged to work with the SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, and his running mate, Usman Bugaje, to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election.
Tanko described the SDP as a people-oriented platform committed to protecting the interests of disadvantaged Nigerians and advancing a more inclusive political system.
His movement to the SDP is considered politically significant given his prominent role in coordinating the Obidient Movement, which mobilised considerable grassroots support for Obi during the 2023 presidential election.
His departure could therefore attract attention within opposition political circles, particularly as political alignments ahead of 2027 continue to evolve.
Fresh questions over NDC’s political cohesion
Although the two developments became public on the same day, there is no indication that Abdulsalami’s resignation and Tanko’s departure were coordinated.
Tanko had also clarified that his resignation from Obi’s advisory team preceded his SDP appointment by nearly two weeks.
Nevertheless, the developments have brought renewed scrutiny to the NDC’s internal organisation, leadership relationships and capacity to consolidate political support ahead of the next presidential election.
The party has yet to publicly respond to Abdulsalami’s allegations of internal injustice, while the political implications of Tanko’s new role in the SDP campaign remain to be seen.