NDC insists Odey remains Cross River governorship candidate, rejects Obono-Obla’s claim

The Nigerian Democratic Congress has reaffirmed John Upan Odey as its candidate for governor of Cross River State in the 2027 general election, rejecting claims made by Okoi Obono-Obla about the party’s ticket.

In a statement, NDC State Publicity Secretary Amawu Albert said Obono-Obla was not a member of the party and therefore had no authority to speak on its behalf. The party urged the public to disregard claims about its governorship candidate unless they came from authorised representatives.

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For the avoidance of doubt, the NDC has candidates for the various elective positions in Cross River State and is fully prepared for the 2027 general elections.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the NDC has candidates for the various elective positions in Cross River State and is fully prepared for the 2027 general elections,” the statement said. It added that the party had completed its internal processes and was confident in the quality and credibility of its candidates.

Albert specifically described Odey as a bona fide NDC member and the party’s governorship candidate in Cross River. He also advised Obono-Obla to stop presenting himself as an authority on the party’s affairs. The NDC said it remained focused on the election and intended to field what it called a credible and competitive team in Cross River State.

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John Upan Odey is a bona fide member of the Nigerian Democratic Congress and is the party’s governorship candidate for Cross River State.