The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected reports claiming that the party does not have governorship candidates in 12 states ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the reports as false propaganda designed to weaken its growing political influence across the country.
The party said, contrary to the reports, it has duly nominated governorship candidates in all 28 states where governorship elections are scheduled to take place in 2027.
The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, made the clarification in a statement issued in response to what the party described as misleading reports circulating in sections of the media and on social media platforms.
Director accused those responsible for the reports of deliberately attempting to create the impression that the NDC was not adequately prepared for the forthcoming elections.
He maintained that the NDC was neither a regional organisation nor a political platform restricted to any particular part of the country. Rather, he described the party as a national political movement with structures, candidates and supporters across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, the party has completed its preparations for the governorship contests in the 28 states where elections will be conducted, insisting that its presence across the country demonstrates its ambition to compete nationally.
In an effort to counter the reports, the NDC released the names of its governorship candidates in the 12 states specifically mentioned in the alleged reports.
The candidates listed by the party include Senator Kabiru Marafa in Zamfara State; retired Rear Admiral Ibrahim Sanusi Kasim in Borno State; Hon. John Odey in Cross River State; Babanta Michael Okon in Akwa Ibom State; Nwofe Boniface in Ebonyi State; and Yakubu Solomon Ndam in Plateau State.
Others listed are Ilu-Barde Aliyu in Katsina State; Alhaji Umar Usman Besse in Kebbi State; Jonga Yahaya Gabakau in Yobe State; Dutse Aminu Sani in Jigawa State; Professor Yahaya Mohammed Sani in Taraba State; and Abdu Sidi Bomi in Niger State.
The party said the publication of the names was intended to provide clarification and establish that it had candidates in the states where its preparedness had been questioned.
The NDC further called on media organisations, journalists, bloggers and social media content creators to exercise greater caution when reporting political developments and to verify information before publishing.
Director warned that the circulation of unverified information could have consequences beyond individual political parties, arguing that persistent misinformation could undermine public confidence in journalism and the democratic process.
“Journalism thrives on truth, not rumours,” the party said, urging media practitioners to scrutinise their sources and independently verify claims before disseminating them to the public.
According to the NDC, political reporting carries a responsibility to ensure that citizens receive accurate information, particularly as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
The party also said it would not allow what it described as sponsored falsehoods to distract it from its political objectives.
The NDC maintained that its focus would remain on issue-based politics and on presenting what it considers practical solutions to the challenges confronting Nigerians.
It said its political agenda would centre on key national concerns, including security, employment opportunities, accountability and economic development.
The party also sought to position itself as an alternative to the established political order, arguing that many Nigerians were increasingly dissatisfied with what it described as the “old order” and “recycled failures” in governance.
The NDC said it believed Nigerians were looking for credible political alternatives capable of addressing the country’s longstanding challenges rather than reproducing existing patterns of leadership.
According to the party, its governorship candidates, manifesto and broader political agenda demonstrate its determination to provide such an alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Nigerians are tired of the old order. They are tired of recycled failures,” the party stated, while presenting the NDC as a platform committed to what it described as rescuing and rebuilding Nigeria.
The party said its proposed political programme would prioritise security, job creation and accountability, which it identified as critical areas requiring urgent attention.
It also called on Nigerians who share its vision to join the political movement, declaring that its “rescue mission” had already begun.
The controversy over the alleged absence of candidates comes as political parties intensify their preparations for the 2027 elections. With the election season expected to generate increased political activity, parties are likely to face greater scrutiny over their candidates, structures, manifestos and electoral preparedness.
For the NDC, the latest controversy provides an opportunity to emphasise its claim of having a nationwide political structure and readiness to contest elections beyond its traditional areas of support.
The party has therefore urged Nigerians to rely on verified information when assessing its candidates and activities, while promising to remain focused on its campaign agenda.
As political competition gathers momentum, the ability of parties to communicate accurate information and maintain credible structures will remain an important part of their efforts to win public confidence.
The NDC, for its part, insists that it is fully prepared for the 2027 elections and that claims suggesting otherwise are part of an attempt to undermine its growing political momentum.
