2027: NDC Dismisses Claims, Says Party Has 28 Governorship Candidates

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has dismissed reports that it lacks governorship candidates in 12 states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party described the reports as false and malicious propaganda aimed at weakening its growing presence across the country.

The NDC National Publicity Secretary made the position known in a statement issued on Saturday.

The party said it had duly nominated governorship candidates in all 28 states where elections would hold in 2027.

“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 statement said.

It also rejected suggestions that the party operates only in certain parts of the country.

The NDC said it had structures and supporters across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

It maintained that its national spread reflected its ambition to contest elections beyond regional boundaries.

The party also released the names of its candidates in the 12 states mentioned in the reports.

In Zamfara State, the NDC listed Senator Kabiru Marafa as its governorship candidate. The party named Rtd Rear Admiral Ibrahim Sanusi Kasim for Borno State and Hon. John Odey for Cross River State.

Other candidates include Babanta Michael Okon in Akwa Ibom, Nwofe Boniface in Ebonyi and Yakubu Solomon Ndam in Plateau State.

The party listed Ilu-Barde Aliyu for Katsina State and Alhaji Umar Usman Besse for Kebbi State. It also named Jonga Yahaya Gabakau in Yobe, Dutse Aminu Sani in Jigawa and Prof Yahaya Mohammed Sani in Taraba.

For Niger State, the NDC identified Abdu Sidi Bomi as its governorship candidate.

The party urged media organisations, journalists, bloggers and content creators to verify information before publishing election-related claims. It warned that unverified reports could damage public confidence in the media and the democratic process.

“Journalism thrives on truth, not rumours,” the party said, while urging media practitioners to scrutinise their sources.

The NDC said it would remain focused on issue-based politics despite what it described as sponsored falsehoods.

It also presented itself as an alternative to what it called the “old order” ahead of the 2027 elections. The party said Nigerians wanted an end to what it described as recycled failures in governance.

It promised to campaign on security, job creation and accountability, alongside what it described as a clear manifesto. The NDC called on Nigerians to join its political movement as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

“The rescue mission has started,” the party declared.