• Thugs attack party’s office in Rivers, destroy billboards

Against the backdrop of alleged breach of due process and nonconformity with the electoral guidelines in the nomination of its candidates for next year’s general election, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) said it complied with relevant legislation in fielding gubernatorial contenders in 28 states, where elections are due.

Recall that the relatively new opposition party was accused of failing to produce governorship candidates in not less than 12 states due to political considerations and negotiations with some incumbent and outgoing governors in some states.

Also, an aspirant for the NDC’s senatorial ticket for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hajiya Aisha Yesufu, had blamed some leaders of the party for favouring the politburo caucus system of handpicking candidates instead of the straw poll approach. She insisted that the NDC subverted the democratic process in the choice of its candidate in some constituencies, including the FCT.

But the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, had, while appearing in a television programme, explained that the party resorted to the use of placeholders pending the reconciliation of some internal disputes and to beat the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Meanwhile, the NDC has dismissed reports claiming that it does not have governorship candidates in 12 states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party, in a statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Director, described the reports as false and intended to undermine the party’s growing political presence.

The NDC said it has nominated governorship candidates in all 28 states where governorship elections are scheduled to be held in 2027. The party also released the names of 12 candidates it said are contesting in states allegedly mentioned in the reports.

In a related development, suspected political thugs have attacked the NDC secretariat in Emohua Local Council Area of Rivers State, destroying billboards, banners and other campaign materials.

The incident reportedly occurred over the weekend at the party’s secretariat located in Emohua Town, headquarters of the local council area.

The attackers allegedly destroyed signages, including large billboards and campaign banners mounted on the building.

Confirming the incident, the NDC House of Representatives candidate for Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency, Fugbara Ohaka, condemned the attack and called for calm among party members and supporters.

Ohaka said political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into violence, intimidation or destruction of property.

He appealed to members and supporters of the party to remain peaceful and law-abiding, saying the NDC would not be provoked into taking the law into its own hands.