Six governorship candidates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have rejected Babachir Lawal's position as their leader in Nigeria's North-East, according to THISDAYLIVE.
The candidates made their position known in a joint rejection of Lawal's claim to the regional leadership role, THISDAYLIVE reports. The report did not name the six candidates or state where the decision was announced.
The rejection comes amid a period of political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has been publicly discussing his role in opposition politics. According to Daily Post Nigeria, he said he persuaded Peter Obi to join the African Democratic Congress and convinced Rabiu Kwankwaso to do the same.
In separate remarks carried by Tribune Online, Lawal said Atiku Abubakar asked him to convince Obi to accept a vice-presidential slot. Sahara Reporters also quoted Lawal as saying Atiku is impossible to work with and does not see value in people who are not Fulani.
Those comments, reported by the three outlets, form part of the wider political maneuvering Lawal has been involved in. The NDC candidates' rejection of his North-East leadership indicates friction within the opposition camp as parties position themselves for the next election cycle.
It remains unclear whether the NDC's national leadership backs Lawal's regional role or the candidates' stance. How the party resolves the dispute, and whether more North-East figures join the rejection, is the next thing to watch.
