The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled governorship candidates for 12 states at the centre of reports alleging that the emerging political movement had yet to field candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party said the development was part of efforts to demonstrate its growing presence across Nigeria and counter claims that it was struggling to establish structures ahead of the polls.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC dismissed reports that it lacked governorship candidates in the affected states, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
According to the party, it has nominated governorship candidates in all 28 states where governorship elections are expected to be conducted in 2027.
The candidates listed by the party 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 NDC said the publication of the names was necessary to put the record straight and demonstrate that it was already building a nationwide political structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party further rejected the perception that its political influence was concentrated in a particular region, insisting that it has structures, candidates and supporters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“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.
The party’s response comes amid increasing political realignments and preparations for the 2027 elections, with emerging parties seeking to challenge Nigeria’s established political forces.
Beyond the controversy over its governorship candidates, the NDC said it was positioning itself as an alternative political platform, promising to make security, job creation and accountability key priorities if elected.
“Nigerians are tired of the old order. They are tired of recycled failures. The NDC is the preferred party to salvage Nigeria,” Director said.
The party also urged media organisations and journalists to verify political claims before publication, arguing that the circulation of unverified information could damage public confidence in both the media and the electoral process.
With political activities expected to intensify ahead of 2027, the NDC’s latest disclosure signals its attempt to project itself as a nationwide contender rather than a regional political movement.
