A support group of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has mocked the prolonged leadership crises in the Labour Party (LP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid the planned defections of key opposition figures to the party.
In the viral image shared on Saturday by the support page, a man dressed in a blue agbada and fedora — symbolising the party — could be seen extending a lifebuoy to a drowning figure in a green “Democracy” shirt. The figure is surrounded by sharks labelled “No Light,” “Poor Educational System,” and “Insecurity.”
In the background, a blue boat marked “Service to the People” and bearing the NDC logo carries smiling passengers, seemingly symbolising stability amid the turbulent waters.
Accompanying the image was a caption that read: “We pray against any spirit of Abure, Nafiu, Apapa and Arabambi. We bind, cast and rebuke you.”
The post comes as opposition parties continue to grapple with internal disputes that have hampered coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2027 general election.
LP’S PROLONGED LEADERSHIP BATTLE
The Labour Party has remained embroiled in factional disputes between Julius Abure and Lamidi Apapa, with Abayomi Arabambi frequently associated with the internal power struggle.
Despite multiple court rulings — including interventions from the Supreme Court and the Federal High Court — the party has been unable to conclusively resolve its leadership question.
Competing factions have, over time, traded allegations ranging from illegitimacy of tenure to financial mismanagement and attempts to control the party’s 2023 presidential structure.
At various points, Apapa has declared himself acting national chairman following court interpretations, while Abure’s camp has consistently rejected such claims, insisting on the validity of its mandate.
The dispute has left the party fragmented across structures, including its labour wing and Obidient support base.
On Tuesday, the LP elected Nenadi Usman as the substantive national chairperson during its national convention held in Umuahia, the capital of Abia state.
ADC ALSO MIRED IN DISPUTES
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), once considered a possible convergence platform for opposition forces, has also faced internal instability involving competing factions and leadership claims.
Disputes linked to figures such as former Senate President David Mark and Nafiu Bala have played out in court and within party structures, with conventions and leadership arrangements repeatedly contested.
Recent judicial developments have further complicated the situation, with the Supreme Court rulings sending parts of the dispute back to lower courts, deepening uncertainty over the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, TheCable reported that Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano, will defect from ADC to the NDC next week, alongside Peter Obi, LP 2023 presidential candidate.
According to the report, stakeholders across Kano’s 44 LGAs reportedly endorsed the move at a meeting held at Kwankwaso’s residence.
The report noted that discussions with the NDC were “about 90 percent complete”, with remaining issues described as minor.
Supporters of both politicians had previously floated the “OK Movement” as a platform for potential collaboration ahead of 2027.
The NDC, led by figures including former Bayelsa governor Seriake Dickson, positions itself as a reform-driven platform under the slogan “Service to the People”, projecting stability in contrast to the internal crises bedevilling other opposition parties.
(TheCable)