A fresh debate has broken out in the Cross River State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as sixteen State House of Assembly candidates have asked the party's national leadership to allow only a candidate from the Southern Senatorial District to fly the party's governorship flag in the next election.
The delegation, led by the Vice Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council and NDC House of Assembly candidate for Ogoja State Constituency, Emmanuel Idi Yakubu, met with the party's National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, to present what they described as the position of many party members in Cross River.
According to Emmanuel Yakubu, the assembly candidates told the national leadership that fielding a governorship candidate from the Northern Senatorial District would negatively affect the chances of the party, not only in the governorship election but also in the State House of Assembly elections.
He said the candidates reminded the leadership of what happened during the 2023 general elections when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost the governorship election and also failed to win any State Assembly seat in the Southern Senatorial District, while securing only one seat in the Central Senatorial District.
Yakubu argued that the NDC should avoid repeating such a mistake by respecting zoning and allowing the South to complete what he described as its remaining eight-year tenure.
He disclosed that the delegation appreciated Senator Dickson for listening to their concerns and expressed confidence that the party leadership would carefully consider the issues raised before taking a final decision.
Despite their position, Yakubu stressed that the group remains loyal to the party and would accept whatever decision is eventually reached by the leadership.
He also made it clear that their demand was not a personal attack on the current NDC governorship candidate, Mr. John Upan Odey.
According to him, the candidates have nothing against Odey personally but believe that presenting a candidate from the North could reduce the party's chances of winning in Cross River.
Yakubu further revealed that sixteen State House of Assembly candidates signed a communiqué calling for a review of the governorship ticket.
Those listed include Eko Alobo (Abi), Jeremiah Bichua (Boki II), Paul Njama (Boki I), Anthony Duke (Calabar South), Eyo Essien (Calabar Municipal), Glory Essien (Bakassi), Peter Mbata (Yala II), Friday Odey (Yala I), Saveus Okoi (Yakurr I), Ayomobi Oko-Ofaye (Yakurr II), Ukeme Monday (Calabar South II), Eje Godwin (Bekwarra), David Abeh (Obanliku), Alloysius Ajom (Akamkpa I), Sampson Irek (Obubra I), and Emmanuel Idi Yakubu (Ogoja).
Yakubu praised the sixteen candidates for standing together and making what he described as sacrifices in pursuit of the demand.
He also thanked Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for granting them an audience and expressed confidence that the national leadership would take a decision that would promote unity and strengthen the party in Cross River State.
The development is expected to intensify discussions within the NDC ahead of the party's final decision on its governorship ticket, as party members continue to debate whether zoning should determine who emerges as the party's flag bearer.
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