Nigeria: 2027 - NDC Deputy Governorship Candidate Dumps Party, Backs APC Candidate

What the report says

A deputy governorship candidate in Nigeria’s Cross River State has withdrawn from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket ahead of the 2027 governorship election and said she now supports Governor Bassey Otu’s bid for re-election. The development was reported by Premium Times and distributed by AllAfrica. Stella Charles Archibong announced her decision in Calabar on Wednesday, saying it followed consultations with family members, elders, Christian leaders and other political stakeholders across the state.

Archibong said her choice was driven by what she described as a wider responsibility to Cross River State rather than personal ambition. She thanked the NDC’s state chairman, Goddy Akwama, the party’s governorship candidate, John Odey, and the national leadership for the chance to serve on the party’s platform. She also apologised to supporters who may be disappointed by her move and expressed appreciation for their backing during her political engagement with the party.

The NDC response came from Mr Odey, who described the withdrawal as unexpected but urged party members and supporters to remain calm and act with maturity. He said consultations were continuing with party leaders and other stakeholders to understand the circumstances and decide on next steps. The episode matters because it comes at an early stage of the 2027 contest and could affect the NDC’s strength in Cross River State, where coalition building and party unity are likely to shape the race.