The governorship candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abia State, Chief Etugo Ndubuisi Ogah, has dismissed reports describing him as a “placeholder” candidate, insisting that he remains the authentic standard-bearer of the party for the 2027 governorship election.
Ogah made the clarification on Thursday while addressing women leaders of the NDC in Umuahia, saying the reports were designed to cause confusion among party members and supporters ahead of the election.
He said there was no ambiguity over his candidacy, citing the publication of his name on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal as confirmation that he is the NDC governorship candidate in Abia.
According to him, the presence of his name on the electoral commission’s platform should end speculation about who will fly the party’s flag in the 2027 governorship contest.
Ogah also dismissed claims linking the NDC with the Labour Party, stressing that the two parties are separate political platforms with their own candidates.
“The NDC has no affiliation with the Labour Party. Labour Party has its own governorship candidate in Abia and its presidential candidate. Nobody should use the name of the NDC presidential candidate to seek favour or create confusion,” he said.
He further maintained that Peter Obi is the presidential candidate of the NDC, while the Labour Party has its own presidential and governorship candidates.
Explaining his decision to contest the Abia governorship election, Ogah said he was motivated by the desire to offer Abians what he described as a credible political alternative and a new direction for the state.
He criticised the administration of Governor Alex Otti, alleging that the government had not, in his assessment, managed the state’s resources in a manner that sufficiently benefited residents.
Ogah specifically questioned reported expenditure on Hilux vehicles, alleging that the reported N1 billion cost raised concerns about transparency, accountability and the priorities of the administration.
He also raised questions over the reported N6.5 billion recreational facility and the allocation of N54 billion for 51 smart schools, asking why, in his view, the projects had not been sufficiently visible to the public.
The NDC candidate said the issues required closer scrutiny, insisting that public funds should be channelled towards projects capable of improving the lives of citizens.
He said his ambition was not merely to occupy the Abia State Government House but to redirect public resources towards economic development, job creation and improved living standards.
Ogah promised that an NDC administration under his leadership would focus on human capital development, employment generation, infrastructure, education, healthcare, industrialisation and support for small and medium-scale enterprises.
He also pledged to strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, saying governance should be driven by public service and the interests of citizens rather than personal or political considerations.
Ogah urged Abians to carefully examine the records, programmes and promises of all candidates and political parties ahead of the 2027 election.
He said voters should not allow rumours or political propaganda to determine their choices, adding that the NDC would embark on an extensive campaign across the state to explain its programmes and vision to the electorate.
He called on members and supporters of the party to remain united and focused as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
