Young Political Leader Dumps NDC, Cites Religious Bias and Lack of Internal Democracy

 Young Political Leader Dumps NDC, Cites Religious Bias and Lack of Internal Democracy

Kaduna, Nigeria – July 7, 2026

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has suffered another setback following the resignation of one of its young political figures, Hon. Dr. Najib Zakari, who announced his immediate exit from the party, citing what he described as the erosion of fairness, merit, inclusiveness, and equal political opportunity.

In a resignation letter dated July 6, 2026 and addressed to the Ward Chairman of Sabon Gari Ward, Chikun Local Government Area, as well as the Kaduna State headquarters of the party, Zakari said his decision came after deep reflection on his experience within the NDC.

According to him, he joined the party believing it would uphold the principles of justice, competence, and equal opportunity for members regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. However, he said his expectations were not met.

He alleged that merit, integrity, competence, and accountability were not consistently rewarded within the party, claiming that religious identity had become a significant factor in determining political opportunities and internal support, particularly during the emergence of candidates in Chikun Constituency.

Zakari stated that leadership should be based on character, capacity, vision, and service rather than identity, adding that he could no longer remain in an environment where he believed equal political participation and a genuine sense of belonging were not guaranteed for all members.

He described his resignation as a principled decision rooted in his commitment to justice, equity, unity, and inclusive democratic participation.

Despite his criticism of the party, the former NDC member expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve within its ranks and wished members well in their future political engagements.

A Blow to the NDC

Zakari's resignation is likely to be viewed as a significant loss for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, particularly among its youth base in Kaduna State. Regarded by supporters as a vibrant and outspoken young politician, his departure may fuel fresh debates over internal democracy, inclusiveness, and candidate selection processes within the party.

His exit adds to growing political conversations about the importance of transparency, merit-based leadership, and equal opportunities in Nigeria's political parties as preparations for future elections continue.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Democratic Congress had not issued an official response to the allegations contained in Zakari's resignation letter.