2027: Nwofe Fires Back at Nwagu Over Ebonyi NDC Governorship Ticket

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

The battle over the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship ticket in Ebonyi State has intensified ahead of the 2027 election, with Boniface Nwofe challenging Paulinus Igwe Nwagu’s reported recognition as the party’s flag bearer.

Nwofe insisted that a reversed list of candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would soon emerge to clarify the disputed candidacy.

Nwofe, who reaffirmed his governorship ambition in a statement, urged party members, supporters and residents of the state to remain calm as the controversy surrounding the party’s candidate list awaits clarification.

He maintained that the dispute should be resolved through the party’s official position and the relevant electoral procedures, rather than conflicting claims and media reports.

The statement comes amid reports presenting Nwagu as the NDC governorship candidate in Ebonyi State. Nwagu had reportedly pledged to pursue a peaceful and issue-based campaign ahead of the 2027 election.

However, Nwofe insisted that public declarations and media reports should not be regarded as conclusive evidence of the party’s recognised candidate without reference to the relevant party position and official electoral records.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The NDC governorship aspirant called on party members and supporters not to allow the controversy to weaken their commitment to the party or distract them from preparations for the 2027 general election.

He stressed that the matter should be addressed in accordance with the party’s established procedures and applicable electoral regulations to ensure clarity and prevent unnecessary tension among members.

While acknowledging the importance of peaceful political engagement, Nwofe said political actors must also respect due process and ensure that information presented to the electorate accurately reflects the party’s official position.

He added that Ebonyi residents deserved clear and verifiable information about the party’s governorship candidate to enable them to make informed decisions as political activities gather momentum ahead of the election.

On his political ambition, Nwofe said his aspiration was driven by a desire to provide purposeful leadership, improve living conditions and address development challenges confronting communities across the state.

He identified education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, employment generation, security and economic empowerment as key areas requiring attention under the next administration.

According to him, Ebonyi needs a government capable of translating public resources into tangible benefits for residents while creating opportunities for young people and women, supporting farmers and entrepreneurs, and promoting balanced development across the state’s 13 local government areas.

Nwofe maintained that his ambition extended beyond occupying the governorship seat, saying he intended to use the office to improve public welfare and respond to the needs of communities across the state.

He expressed confidence in his chances in the 2027 governorship election, promising to pursue his ambition through lawful democratic means.

The NDC chieftain also appealed to political stakeholders to exercise restraint in their public statements and avoid comments that could heighten tensions among party members and supporters.

He urged Ebonyians to remain united despite political differences, stressing that peace, stability and development should remain the overriding interests 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.