The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ebonyi State, High Chief Boniface Nwofe, has challenged the claim that Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu is the party's recognised flag bearer for the 2027 governorship election, insisting that the reversed list of candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be published soon.
Nwofe, who reaffirmed his governorship ambition in a statement, said the development surrounding the disputed candidate list should be clarified through the party's official position and the relevant electoral procedures.
He urged Ebonyi residents, particularly NDC members and his supporters, to remain calm, resilient and committed to the party's processes, expressing confidence that he would emerge victorious in the 2027 election and transform the state if elected governor.
The statement followed a report in which Nwagu was presented as the NDC governorship candidate in Ebonyi State and pledged to conduct a peaceful, issue-based campaign ahead of the election.
While acknowledging the importance of peaceful political engagement, Nwofe maintained that public declarations and media reports should not be taken as conclusive evidence of a disputed candidacy without reference to the relevant party position and electoral records.
He said, "I have noted the reports circulating in the media concerning the NDC governorship candidacy in Ebonyi State. It is important that the people understand the actual position of the party and are not misled by conflicting claims.
"The reversed list by INEC, as affirmed by the NDC, will be published in no distant time to clarify the situation. I urge our supporters and the general public to remain calm while the relevant information is made available."
Nwofe called on party members and supporters not to allow the controversy to undermine their confidence or distract them from preparations for the 2027 general election.
He stressed that the matter should be addressed through the party's established procedures and applicable electoral regulations, rather than competing claims in the media.
On Nwagu's declaration that his campaign would prioritise peace, tolerance and issue-based politics, Nwofe said peaceful political competition was essential to democratic development but added that political actors must also uphold due process and ensure that information presented to the electorate was accurate.
He maintained that Ebonyi residents deserved clarity on the party's candidate and should be allowed to make informed decisions based on verified information.
Addressing the question of leadership capacity and the development of the state, Nwofe said his ambition was driven by a determination to provide purposeful leadership and improve the living conditions of the people.
He said his vision for Ebonyi included improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, employment opportunities, security and economic empowerment.
According to him, the state requires a government that would translate public resources into tangible benefits for residents, create opportunities for young people and women, support farmers and entrepreneurs, and promote balanced development across the 13 local government areas.
Nwofe said his aspiration was not merely to occupy the governorship seat but to use the office to advance the welfare of the people and address challenges affecting communities across the state.
He expressed confidence in his ambition to win the 2027 governorship election, promising to pursue his political objective through lawful democratic means.
The NDC candidate also appealed to political stakeholders to exercise restraint in their public engagements and avoid statements capable of heightening tensions among party members and supporters.
He urged Ebonyians to remain united despite political differences, noting that the overriding interest should be the peace, stability and development of the state.
"I appeal to our supporters to remain calm, resilient and prepared. Do not be discouraged by conflicting reports. Continue to follow developments through credible and authorised channels as we await the publication of the reversed list," he said.
Nwofe reiterated his determination to offer Ebonyi voters an alternative leadership option in 2027, expressing optimism that his proposed administration would usher in a new phase of development and prosperity.
He called on supporters to remain law-abiding and committed to democratic principles as the party works to clarify the controversy surrounding its governorship candidacy.
