Leadership crisis brews at BCDA as two officials lay claim to ES position

A leadership dispute has emerged at the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), with two individuals laying claim to the agency’s top position despite a directive from the Presidency.

Dr Dakorinama Alabo George, a former Executive Secretary of the agency and an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is reportedly still occupying the office despite being replaced by Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, directed all political appointees seeking elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026.

George was said to have resigned to contest the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in Rivers State. Although he was cleared to participate, he later withdrew from the race ahead of the primaries.

In a statement dated June 26, 2026, the Presidency, through the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the appointment of Namdas as the new head of the BCDA, stating that he replaced George, who had resigned to pursue elective office.

The statement added that the appointment took immediate effect.

However, sources indicate that George has continued to operate from the agency, allegedly retaining control of its facilities and declining to formally hand over.

It was gathered that following his withdrawal from the APC governorship race, George returned to the office and resumed activities, reportedly with the backing of influential figures.

In a now-deleted response to inquiries, George denied resigning from his position, insisting that he withdrew from the governorship race before the primaries and therefore did not vacate office.

“The Presidency, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, will be in a better position to clarify. At no time did I resign. I never contested because I withdrew before the primaries,” he reportedly stated.

He also suggested that the announcement of his replacement was made in error, claiming it had been corrected, though he did not provide further details.

Despite this, the Presidency has maintained that Namdas remains the duly appointed head of the agency.

“Not true. Namdas stays,” Onanuga said in response to inquiries.

Reports indicate that George has continued to function in the role, holding official meetings and representing the agency publicly, even after the announcement of his replacement.

The development has raised concerns about administrative ambiguity within the agency, coming amid recent controversies involving alleged fictitious government bodies and questions over official appointments.

Observers say the situation underscores the need for clearer communication and enforcement of directives regarding political appointees, particularly as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.