NDC has released 12 Governorship Candidates and rejected the claims of gaps ahead of 2027 elections.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Nigeria Democratic Congress has dismissed reports claiming that it has no governorship candidates in 12 states ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the allegation as false and politically motivated.
The party, in a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, insisted that it had nominated candidates in all 28 states where governorship elections are scheduled to hold in 2027.
Director said the reports questioning the party’s presence in some states were intended to mislead Nigerians and undermine what he described as the NDC’s growing national momentum.
“The NDC has been shocked to discover a false story and deliberate propaganda circulating in sections of the media and on social media claiming that the NDC does not have governorship candidates in 12 states ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement read.
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“We state categorically that this claim is false, malicious, a lie from the pit of hell, and intended to mislead Nigerians and undermine the growing momentum of the NDC nationwide.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NDC has duly nominated and has governorship candidates in all the 28 states where governorship elections will take place in 2027.”
The party also rejected suggestions that it was confined to a particular region, maintaining that it had political structures, candidates and supporters across the country.
“Our party is fully prepared, fully structured and fully on the ground in every state of the federation. The NDC is not a regional party. We are a national movement with candidates, structures and supporters in all 36 states and the FCT,” it added.
To support its position, the NDC released the names of its candidates in the 12 states identified in the disputed reports.
The party listed Senator Kabiru Marafa as its governorship candidate in Zamfara State and retired Rear Admiral Ibrahim Sanusi Kasim as its flagbearer in Borno State.
It named Hon. John Odey for Cross River State, Babanta Michael Okon for Akwa Ibom State, Nwofe Boniface for Ebonyi State and Yakubu Solomon Ndam for Plateau State.
Others listed were Ilu-Barde Aliyu for Katsina State, Alhaji Umar Usman Besse for Kebbi State, Jonga Yahaya Gabakau for Yobe State and Dutse Aminu Sani for Jigawa State.
Professor Yahaya Mohammed Sani was named as the party’s candidate in Taraba State, while Abdu Sidi Bomi was listed for Niger State.
The controversy followed claims that the provisional list published by the Independent National Electoral Commission did not contain NDC governorship candidates in some states. An earlier review of the INEC portal reportedly found no listed NDC candidates in 11 of the disputed states, although the party maintained that it had candidates or placeholders.
INEC has also published a notice addressing allegations concerning NDC candidates, underscoring the continuing dispute over the party’s submissions ahead of the elections. The electoral commission’s final list will ultimately determine the candidates officially recognised for the polls.
The NDC urged journalists, bloggers and media organisations to verify political claims before publication, warning that the circulation of unverified information could weaken public confidence in both the media and the electoral process.
“Journalism thrives on truth, not rumours. Peddling unverified propaganda only erodes public trust in the media and in our democracy,” the party said.
It added that it would remain focused on issue-based politics and would not be distracted by what it described as sponsored falsehoods.
The party further positioned itself as an alternative to Nigeria’s established political order, promising to prioritise security, employment and accountability if elected in 2027.
“Nigerians are tired of the old order. They are tired of recycled failures. The NDC is the preferred party to salvage Nigeria,” Director said.
“With credible candidates, a clear manifesto and a commitment to security, jobs and accountability, we are ready to rescue and rebuild this nation in 2027.
“We call on all Nigerians to join the movement. The rescue mission has started.”
