BY AHMED AKANBI
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports that it has no governorship candidates in 12 states ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the claims as “false, malicious and deliberate propaganda” aimed at undermining its momentum.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, said in a statement weekend that the NDC has duly nominated governorship candidates in all 28 states where elections will hold in 2027, insisting that the party remains fully prepared and structured nationwide.
Director accused those behind the reports of trying to mislead Nigerians about the party’s level of preparedness and national spread.
“The NDC is neither a regional nor sectional platform but a national movement with structures, candidates and supporters across the 36 states and FCT,” he said.
To debunk the claims, the party released the names of its candidates in the 12 states allegedly affected as Senator Kabiru Marafa, Zamfara; Rear Admiral Ibrahim Sanusi Kasim, Borno; Hon John Odey, Cross River; Babanta Michael Okon, Akwa Ibom; Nwofe Boniface, Ebonyi; and Yakubu Solomon Ndam, Plateau.
Others listed are Ilu-Barde Aliyu, Katsina; Alhaji Umar Usman Besse, Kebbi; Jonga Yahaya Gabakau, Yobe; Dutse Aminu Sani, Jigawa; Prof Yahaya Mohammed Sani, Taraba; and Abdu Sidi Bomi, Niger.
The NDC said the publication was to “set the record straight” and counter what it described as a sponsored attempt to paint the party as unprepared.
“We state categorically that this claim is false and intended to mislead Nigerians,” the statement read.
It also called out media organisations, bloggers and content creators to verify information before publication, saying “Journalism thrives on truth, not rumours. Peddling unverified propaganda only erodes public trust in the media and in our democracy.”
The statement said NDC would not be distracted by “sponsored falsehoods” and would remain focused on issue-based politics, adding that it positioned itself as an alternative to the old political establishment, which it said Nigerians are tired of.
The party said its 2027 campaign will be built on security, job creation, accountability and a clear manifesto.
“Nigerians are tired of recycled failures. The NDC is ready to rescue and rebuild this nation in 2027,” the statement added.