…Insists He Is Still in the Race
By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ebonyi State, Ambassador Uka Chris Ndubuisi, has challenged the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Igwe Nwagu, over the announcement of Hon. Engene Stefiny Amaka as his new running mate, insisting that he has neither withdrawn from the race nor been removed in accordance with the law.
Ndubuisi, in a press statement made available to journalists on Wednesday in Abakaliki, said he had not submitted any letter of withdrawal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He further maintained that his name remains on INEC’s portal as the NDC’s deputy governorship candidate, despite the announcement of another person as his replacement.
Citing Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2026, Ndubuisi argued that the substitution of a candidate whose name had been submitted to INEC was restricted, except in circumstances involving the candidate’s death or withdrawal.
“Given that I have neither died nor withdrawn from the race, I call on the NDC leadership and INEC to clarify the legal basis and procedure for the announcement of another person as my replacement,” he said.
He urged the relevant authorities to examine the official nomination records and applicable electoral provisions to ensure that his candidacy was handled in accordance with the law.
Expressing disappointment over the development, Ndubuisi recalled his role in supporting Nwagu’s emergence as the party’s governorship candidate.
“At a time when his candidacy faced opposition from some stakeholders in Ebonyi State, I stood by him and facilitated his presentation to the national leadership,” he said.
He further urged the NDC national leadership, the Ebonyi State chapter and INEC to intervene and ensure that the matter was addressed transparently and in accordance with the law.
The deputy governorship candidate appealed to his supporters to remain calm and committed to peaceful political engagement, urging party members and the general public not to regard the announcement of his purported replacement as a conclusive determination of his candidacy.
Reaffirming his position, Ndubuisi said he had not withdrawn from the race and would pursue the matter through the appropriate channels to ensure that due process was respected and the status of his candidacy properly clarified.