The Nigeria Democratic Congress has dismissed reports that it lacks governorship candidates in 12 states ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that it has nominated candidates in all 28 states where governorship elections are expected to hold.
The party made the clarification on Saturday through its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, who described the reports as false and politically motivated attempts to undermine the party’s growing support ahead of the elections.
Director said the NDC had been “shocked” by claims circulating in sections of the media and on social media suggesting that the party had failed to field candidates in 12 states.
He maintained that the allegation was false and intended to mislead Nigerians and weaken the party’s political momentum.
“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,” Director stated.
The party also rejected claims that it was primarily a regional political movement, saying it had established 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,” the statement said.
To support its position, the party released the names of its governorship candidates for the 12 states referenced in the disputed reports.
The candidates listed include Senator Kabiru Marafa for Zamfara State, retired Rear Admiral Ibrahim Sanusi Kasim for Borno, Hon. John Odey for Cross River and Babanta Michael Okon for Akwa Ibom.
Others are Nwofe Boniface for Ebonyi, Yakubu Ndam for Plateau, Ilu-Barde Aliyu for Katsina, Umar Besse for Kebbi, Jonga Gabakau for Yobe, Dutse Sani for Jigawa, Prof. Yahaya Sani for Taraba and Abdu Sidi Bomi for Niger State.
The dispute comes as political parties and emerging political movements intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with parties seeking to strengthen their structures and recruit candidates across the country.
The NDC urged journalists and media organisations to verify political claims before publication, arguing that the circulation of unverified information could affect public confidence in both the media and the electoral process.
The party said it was positioning itself as an alternative to Nigeria’s established political order, identifying security, employment and accountability as key priorities of its proposed 2027 agenda.
“Nigerians are tired of the old order. They are tired of recycled failures. The NDC is the preferred party to salvage Nigeria. 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,” Director stated.
He added, “We call on all Nigerians to join the movement. The rescue mission has started.”
The NDC’s latest declaration comes amid heightened political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with politicians and political groups moving between parties and new alliances emerging across the country.
