By Stanley Mijah, Yola
The Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Adamawa State, Hon. Ibrahim Bebetu, has given local government executives of the party seven days to complete the update and strengthening of party structures at the ward and unit levels. He said the directive is aimed at boosting the party’s grassroots capacity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bebetu, who led a seven-man verification committee on the continuation of its tour to Gombi, Song and Girei Local Government Areas, said the ultimatum became necessary because of challenges in two local governments, where splinter groups attempted to create parallel structures. He warned that any local government leadership that fails to meet expectations risks being replaced by more credible, result-driven leaders.
Despite these setbacks, Bebetu said he was satisfied with the majority of the party’s structures across the state, noting that discrepancies were limited to two councils. He commended party leaders who remained steadfast despite attempts by “silent enemies” to destabilise the NDC.
Speakers at the meetings praised the verification exercise, saying it had exposed the motives of those behind the illegal parallel structures, many of which are now collapsing into the recognised Bebetu-led framework. They said this has boosted confidence in the party’s leadership and created an enabling environment for growth.
In a gesture of inclusivity, Bebetu commended the Gombi local government executive for integrating persons with disabilities into leadership roles, describing it as a reflection of the party’s ideology. He also linked the NDC’s rising popularity to the integrity and trust associated with the Obi/Kwankwaso presidential team, which he said has added to the party’s growing national goodwill. He added that the entry of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has not only added value to the party in the North-East but also improved the NDC’s growth and prospects in Adamawa’s political landscape.
Bebetu stressed that building a strong, united structure is “sacrosanct” to the NDC’s success in 2027, and urged all local government executives to update their structures and show commitment and discipline in the days ahead.
So far, the committee has completed its tour of eleven local governments across the northern, southern and central senatorial districts: Madagali, Michika, Mubi South, Mubi North, Maiha, Hong, Guyuk, Shelleng, Gombi, Song and Girei.
