The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing an internal crisis as a public disagreement between aides to presidential candidate Peter Obi and the party's communications director has exposed a logo dispute that could undermine the party's 2027 campaign. The row, which played out on social media, has forced party leader Seriake Dickson to call a high-level meeting with Obi and running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso to resolve the issue.
What Sparked the Conflict?
The dispute began when Esther Umoh, aide and official photographer to Obi, took to X (formerly Twitter) to address Theo Abu Agada, the party's director of new media and strategic communications. Umoh warned that candidates and supporters across states are using different versions of the NDC logo, with campaigns set to begin in July. She called on the party leadership to issue a formal communiqué specifying the INEC-approved logo.
"With barely five months to the elections, there is already significant confusion at the grassroots," Umoh wrote. "Candidates and supporters are uncertain about which logo to use on campaign materials, and this lack of clarity could affect the party's cohesion, visibility and preparedness ahead of the elections." She added: "I sincerely hope the delay is not a sign that the party is unprepared or intentionally trying to sabotage our chances at winning."
Agada's Sharp Response
Agada acknowledged that the logo matter had been flagged to the national leadership but took strong exception to Umoh's reference to Dickson as "Supreme Leader," calling it "disrespectful and completely unacceptable." He described Dickson as "a Democrat to the core" and urged Umoh to be "guided" in her choice of words. Umoh, however, did not back down, pointing to the NDC's Delta state governorship candidate as a concrete example of the problem, noting that campaigns in the state were due to commence on July 19.
Agada's blunt reply was: "Let me make this abundantly clear: anyone who comes for me, I will defend myself and put the person in their place. I take no prisoners."
Dickson Steps In
The public spat reached Dickson, who was reportedly displeased. He subsequently convened a meeting with Obi and Kwankwaso, describing it on his X handle as a "high-level consultative meeting to discuss the positive state of affairs of our party and to prepare for the forthcoming campaigns." He wrote: "We call on all members, supporters and stakeholders of our great party to unite, remain steadfast and work together for victory for all candidates of our party."
This is not the first time such tensions have emerged. In June, Dickson held a closed-door session with Obi and Kwankwaso following complaints from Obi supporters about their treatment, after which Dickson appealed to members to stop "bickering" and "name-calling."
Legal and Registration Challenges
The NDC's logo has faced separate legal and registration challenges, including a dispute with the Peace Movement Party over its victory-sign symbol, and a case currently before the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal. Calls and messages to the party's national publicity secretary, Osa Director, had not been returned at the time of this report.
Dickson's Presidential Ambitions
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Dickson asserted that nobody is doing the party a favour by handing the presidential ticket to Obi for the 2027 elections. He stated that he could have emerged as the party's presidential flagbearer, citing his track record, and urged Obi's supporters to remain calm and avoid actions that could undermine the party.
