By Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected reports suggesting that the party lacks governorship candidates in 12 states ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the reports as an attempt to create a false impression about its electoral strength.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party said it had nominated governorship candidates in all 28 states where governorship elections are scheduled to be held in 2027. The NDC said the reports were false and designed to undermine what it described as its growing nationwide momentum.
The party specifically listed candidates it said would fly its flag in Zamfara, Borno, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Plateau, Katsina, Kebbi, Yobe, Jigawa, Taraba and Niger states.
According to the NDC, Senator Kabiru Marafa is its candidate in Zamfara, while Rtd. Rear Admiral Ibrahim Sanusi Kasim is listed for Borno State and Hon. John Odey for Cross River.
It also named Babanta Michael Okon for Akwa Ibom, Nwofe Boniface for Ebonyi, Yakubu Solomon Ndam for Plateau, Ilu-Barde Aliyu for Katsina, and Alhaji Umar Usman Besse for Kebbi.
The party further listed Jonga Yahaya Gabakau for Yobe, Dutse Aminu Sani for Jigawa, Prof. Yahaya Mohammed Sani for Taraba and Abdu Sidi Bomi for Niger State.
The development highlights the NDC’s attempt to project itself not merely as an opposition platform but as a nationwide political contender ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly amid questions surrounding the strength and spread of emerging political parties.
The party maintained that it had structures and supporters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, insisting that its political reach was not limited to any particular region.
The NDC also used the opportunity to caution media organisations, journalists, bloggers and content creators against publishing unverified information, urging them to scrutinise their sources before reporting political claims.
“Journalism thrives on truth, not rumours,” the statement said, while accusing those circulating the disputed report of attempting to erode public confidence in the party.
The party said it would remain focused on issue-based politics and its campaign agenda, which it said would centre on security, job creation and accountability.
The NDC further urged Nigerians dissatisfied with the existing political order to join what it described as a “rescue mission” ahead of the 2027 elections.
