Nigeria Democratic Congress says it has nominated governorship candidates in all 28 states where elections will be held in 2027, listing candidates in the 12 states cited in reports.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports claiming that the party does not have governorship candidates in 12 states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said it has completed the nomination of its governorship candidates in all 28 states where governorship elections are scheduled to take place in 2027.

The NDC made its position known in a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, describing the reports as inaccurate and misleading.

“We have duly nominated governorship candidates in all the 28 states where elections will hold in 2027,” Director said.

The party also rejected suggestions that it operates primarily as a regional political organisation, insisting that it has a national presence and structures across the country.

Director said the NDC is “not a regional party” but a national political movement with structures, supporters and candidates across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

In an effort to refute the reports, the party released the names of its governorship candidates in the 12 states reportedly cited as having no NDC candidates.

The candidates listed by the party are:

Zamfara: Senator Kabiru Marafa

Borno: Retired Rear Admiral Ibrahim Sanusi Kasim

Cross River: Hon. John Odey

Akwa Ibom: Babanta Michael Okon

Ebonyi: Nwofe Boniface

Plateau: Yakubu Solomon Ndam

Katsina: Ilu-Barde Aliyu

Kebbi: Alhaji Umar Usman Besse

Yobe: Jonga Yahaya Gabakau

Jigawa: Dutse Aminu Sani

Taraba: Prof. Yahaya Mohammed Sani

Niger: Abdu Sidi Bomi

The NDC urged media organisations and members of the public to exercise caution when reporting information about its candidates and activities ahead of the elections.

The party specifically appealed to journalists, bloggers and other content creators to verify claims before publishing or sharing them, saying inaccurate reports could mislead voters and the wider public.

“We remain focused on issue-based politics and will not be distracted by sponsored falsehoods ahead of the 2027 elections,” the statement added.

The controversy comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with the nomination of candidates and the strength of party structures expected to remain key issues in the build-up to the polls.

The NDC's clarification is likely to further draw attention to its electoral preparations across the country as parties position themselves for the 2027 governorship and presidential contests.