2027: NDC leaders clash over Gombe structure as campaigns approach

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, internal discord is surfacing within the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) in Gombe State, specifically concerning the party's grassroots organization. Leaders are publicly disagreeing over the strength and preparedness of their local structure, sparking debate about the NDC's electoral viability. Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed Samaila, Northeast Zonal Coordinator for the Coalition Alliance Network for the Peter Obi/Kwankwaso Movement, has voiced strong concerns. He alleges that the NDC in Gombe State suffers from a weak and invisible presence, contrasting it unfavorably with other Northeast states. Samaila pointed to a lack of campaign materials, such as branded vehicles and posters for candidates, as evidence of this deficiency. He also expressed reservations about the visibility and accessibility of the party's governorship hopeful, Dr. Babayo Ardo, among supporters. Samaila indicated that strengthening the party's grassroots presence requires significant funding and sponsorship to mobilize support groups and associations effectively. He further noted the absence of a visible campaign committee for Ardo. Countering these claims, Mallam Zakari Garba Bura, National President of the Coalition Alliance Network, and Dr. Babayo Ardo insist that the NDC possesses robust and functional structures across Gombe's 11 local government areas and 114 wards. Bura asserted that the coalition has a nationwide network with representatives in all local government areas and plans to deploy substantial personnel to polling units, backed by a large membership in support groups. While acknowledging that an official governorship candidate has not yet been announced, Bura expressed confidence in Ardo's potential candidacy and highlighted the coalition's existing network of elders, women, and youth in Gombe.

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We don’t have structures compared to other states in the Northeast. We don’t have a single vehicle branded with the NDC logo in Gombe for campaigns. There are no posters of governorship, House of Assembly or senatorial candidates across the state.