NDC Reaffirms Iyovwaye as Delta Guber Candidate, Disowns Odebala

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reaffirmed Deacon Chris Iyovwaye as its recognised candidate for the 2027 Delta State governorship election, declaring that there is no ambiguity over the party’s choice.

The party made the clarification in a statement issued by its National Secretariat in Abuja on September 8, 2026, following reports and public activities suggesting that Hon. Barr. Ejaife Omizu Odebala was also claiming the party’s governorship ticket.

The statement, jointly signed by the NDC National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, and the National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, categorically stated that Iyovwaye remains the party’s governorship candidate for Delta State.

The party expressly disowned Odebala as its candidate, warning members of the public, political stakeholders and its supporters against relying on unauthorised claims or representations.

According to the NDC, its candidate nomination process is governed by the party’s constitution, regulations and decisions of its authorised organs and cannot be determined through personal declarations, social media publications or activities outside the recognised party structures.

The party said any publication, campaign material, meeting or public representation suggesting that Odebala is the NDC governorship candidate does not represent the position of its national leadership.

The development has brought the controversy surrounding the NDC’s Delta governorship ticket to the attention of the party’s national leadership, which has now formally stated its position
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The NDC cautioned individuals and groups against what it described as attempts to create a parallel narrative capable of misleading the electorate or undermining the integrity of its electoral process.

It also stressed that political disagreements within the party do not give any individual the authority to appropriate the NDC’s name, logo, structures or candidacy without express authorisation from the competent organs
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The party urged its members and supporters across the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State to remain calm and focused as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.

It further appealed to journalists, political parties, security agencies, electoral stakeholders and members of the diplomatic community to disregard contrary claims concerning the identity of its Delta governorship candidate and rely on official communications from the National Secretariat.

The National Secretariat also warned individuals, groups and organisations against falsely presenting themselves as authorised representatives of the NDC or using the party’s identity to mislead members of the public.

Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, due process, accountability and adherence to its constitution, the party said it remained focused on its preparations for the 2027 elections.

The NDC concluded by emphatically reaffirming Deacon Chris Iyovwaye as its governorship candidate for Delta State, maintaining that there is no ambiguity regarding the party’s candidate for the election.