NDC Continues in Storm as Theo Abu and Brian Dennis Appointments Spark Outrage

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing a fresh political storm following the appointment of two controversial social media personalities to lead its media and communications department ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party announced the appointment of Agada Abuh Theophilus, popularly known as Theo Abu, as director of new media and strategic communications, with Brian Dennis as his deputy.

Osa Director, the NDC national publicity secretary, announced the appointments in a statement on Wednesday, June 10, noting that the move was part of efforts to strengthen the party’s digital operation and media engagement strategy.

But the decision has triggered an immediate rebellion from the Obidients, the formidable youth-driven support base of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Theophilus is a well-known critic of Peter Obi, having consistently attacked the former Anambra governor and the Obidient Movement on social media since the 2023 presidential election cycle.

Supporters of Peter Obi have called on the NDC to reverse the appointments, describing the decision as disrespectful to their principal and a direct insult to millions of Nigerians who identify with the political movement.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group accused Theophilus of previously attempting to link Obi’s supporters with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

“Even worse, he once claimed that Peter Obi had ‘unleashed his IPOB supporters on Nigerians’. That kind of statement goes beyond political disagreement. It is a dangerous attempt to link Peter Obi and Obidients to IPOB, and by extension paint the movement with the brush of extremism and terrorism,” the supporters said.

Prominent social media influencer Nefertiti broke her long-standing silence on the NDC’s internal affairs, unleashing a blistering critique of the appointments on X.

“Theo Abu and Brian Dennis are misfits. Who appoints political jobbers to run their Media? Boys without a modicum of reputation. They are pariahs as far as Political Twitter is concerned,” Nefertiti stated.

She revealed that both appointees have been on her blocked list since the 2023 election cycle, asserting that they possess “zero electoral value” and cannot even win their own polling units.

The Obidient Movement demanded the immediate reversal of the appointments and a public explanation from the NDC leadership on how the decision was made.

“The Obidient Movement is not a spare tyre. We are not political furniture. We are not a movement to be used when convenient and disrespected when power is being shared,” the group said in a statement.

“If NDC wants the energy, credibility, reach, and sacrifice of Obidients, then it must treat the movement with respect. Anything short of that is unacceptable.”

Political commentators have warned that the party risks alienating its most crucial voting bloc ahead of the 2027 elections if the leadership fails to address the growing discontent.