Leadership Standoff at the Border Communities Development Agency
Reports indicate a growing crisis at the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) after a presidential directive to replace its executive secretary was ignored.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had ordered all political appointees planning to run in the 2027 elections to resign by March 31, 2026. Dakorinama Alabo George, an APC governorship aspirant in Rivers State, reportedly resigned to contest but later withdrew.
Despite his resignation, the Presidency announced on June 26 that Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas, a former House of Representatives member from Adamawa State, had been appointed as the new Director General of the agency.
The Presidency’s statement used the title “Director General,” while the agency’s website still lists the position as “Executive Secretary,” creating confusion over the correct designation.
Sources say George has not handed over control of the office, retaining access to agency property and continuing to act as its head, even after the public announcement of his replacement.
George initially cleared for the APC governorship primary in Rivers State, but withdrew at the last minute to allow fellow Wike ally Kingsley Chida to secure the ticket. After losing the nomination, he returned to his office at BCDA.
Allegations have emerged that George is being supported by certain government officials, including the FCT Minister, and that some allies are spreading false claims on social media that President Tinubu reversed the appointment.
The Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has reiterated that Namdas remains the lawful head of the agency and dismissed George’s assertions as untrue.
Nevertheless, George continues to appear in official capacities, most recently meeting with the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, to request budget releases, with photos of the meeting posted online.
The agency’s website still shows Dr George D. A Kelly as the serving executive secretary on the agency’s website, underscoring the ongoing stalemate.
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