Less than two weeks before the official commencement of campaigns for the 2027 general elections, internal disagreements have surfaced within the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) over the strength of its NDC Gombe structure and readiness for the polls.
The dispute involves the Northeast Zonal Coordinator of the Coalition Alliance Network for the Peter Obi/Kwankwaso Movement, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed Samaila, the party’s governorship hopeful in Gombe State, Dr. Babayo Ardo, and the National President of the Coalition Alliance Network, Mallam Zakari Garba Bura.
Speaking in Gombe, Samaila argued that the NDC Gombe structure remains weaker than those of neighbouring Northeast states. According to him, the party currently lacks visible campaign materials and organisational activities capable of demonstrating strong grassroots readiness.
He pointed to the absence of branded campaign vehicles, posters for governorship, senatorial and House of Assembly candidates, describing the situation as evidence that more work is needed before campaigns begin. Although he described Dr. Ardo as a capable politician, Samaila expressed concern over what he considered limited interaction between the governorship hopeful and party supporters.
He added that support groups and political associations were being mobilised to strengthen the party’s grassroots network, noting that adequate funding could help build a formidable campaign structure within weeks. Samaila also disclosed that he had not seen evidence of a fully constituted campaign committee for the governorship aspirant.
Responding during an online interview from Abuja, Coalition Alliance Network National President, Mallam Zakari Garba Bura, dismissed claims that the party lacks structure.
He maintained that the coalition has representatives across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas and more than 8,000 political wards, with plans to deploy party members to polling units nationwide during the elections. Bura insisted that the coalition has functional structures across all 11 local government areas and 114 wards in Gombe State, citing active networks of elders, women and youth groups.
He, however, clarified that the coalition has not officially unveiled its governorship candidate, although he expressed confidence that Dr. Ardo would eventually secure the party’s ticket. According to him, the coalition hopes to build on the support previously recorded by Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the Northeast.
Reacting to the criticism, Dr. Babayo Ardo described the NDC as a relatively young political party that has made significant organisational progress since its registration in February 2026. He said the party has already established committees at polling units, ward executives, local government executives and a state executive council across Gombe.
Ardo announced plans to embark on a statewide tour of all 11 local government areas to engage residents and prepare for campaigns in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable. He pledged that, if elected governor, his administration would prioritise security through community participation, expand economic opportunities in agriculture and commerce, improve education standards and strengthen healthcare delivery.
The governorship hopeful also emphasised that his campaign would remain issue-based, focusing on long-term development goals rather than personal attacks. Calling for unity among party stakeholders, Ardo urged members to work together in strengthening the NDC Gombe structure, saying collaboration would better position the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
