The 2027 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Abia State, Eric Opah, has denied reports circulating on social media claiming that he promised to release IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu if elected governor of Abia State.

In the report, Eric Opah was quoted as saying:

“I will set Mazi Nnamdi Kanu free once I become Governor of Abia State in 2027. I said it, and I will do it. I have the capacity, don’t doubt me.”

However, responding to the trending report, the Abia APC candidate described the story as false, misleading, and the handiwork of desperate people.

Speaking through Eric Ikwuagwu, the Director of Media and Publicity of the Eric Opah Campaign Organisation, the APC candidate said the sole aim of the report was to drag his name into unnecessary controversy.

“At no time did Chief Eric Opah make such a statement, either publicly or privately. The fabrication is a clear demonstration of the growing desperation among certain individuals and political actors who have chosen the path of falsehood, propaganda, and character assassination instead of issue-based politics.

“It is highly condemnable that some persons would deliberately manufacture fake quotes and circulate them in an attempt to deceive unsuspecting members of the public and create tension within the polity.

“Chief Eric Opah remains a responsible leader committed to lawful governance, peace, development, and constructive engagement on issues affecting Abia State and the nation at large. He will not be distracted by the antics of mischief-makers and enemies of progress,” the statement said.

The statement further urged members of the public, party faithful, and supporters of the candidate to disregard the fake news.

The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has approved waivers for former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, to contest the Delta Central and Delta North Senatorial seats respectively under the platform of the party in the 2027 general elections.

A statement signed by Osa Director Esq., the party’s National Publicity Secretary, said this decision follows the formal defection of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC to the National Democratic Congress, NDC.

The NDC said it warmly welcomes both political leaders into the party and assures them of a credible, inclusive, and people-oriented platform to advance their political aspirations and contribute meaningfully to the development of Delta State and Nigeria at large.

The leadership of the party noted that the decision to grant the waivers was taken in recognition of their political experience, leadership capacity, and commitment to democratic ideals, good governance, and service to the people.

The party leadership is confident that both leaders possess the competence, experience, and grassroots support necessary to deliver quality representation to the people of Delta Central and Delta North Senatorial Districts.

The party remains committed to internal democracy, inclusion, transparency, and the collective aspiration of building a better Delta State and a greater Nigeria.

The Screening and Selection Committees of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has reacted to the reports that some aspirants are allegedly being prevented from participating in the ongoing party primaries across the country.

In a statement signed by Osa Director Esq., the National Publicity Secretary, NDC, the party said categorically that all aspirants who successfully completed the screening process have been duly cleared and are therefore eligible to participate in the primaries.

“Consequently, any action by any state chapter or party official aimed at preventing a duly cleared aspirant from participating in the exercise is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever,” the statement said

“No aspirant should be denied the opportunity to participate in the primaries in any part of the country.”

The NDC said it remains a progressive and people-oriented political party firmly committed to the principles of accountability, transparency, fairness, and inclusivity.

It added, “It is therefore unacceptable for any arm of the party’s administrative structure to act contrary to these core values and guiding principles.”

The party said that members and officials at all levels are directed to ensure that the primaries are conducted peacefully, transparently, and strictly in accordance with the constitution, guidelines, and regulations of the party.

It said, “The primaries for the presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections will hold nationwide on May 29, 2026.

“Aspirants are further advised to note that, aside from the State Assembly primaries, which will hold within the respective constituency areas, all other primaries shall take place at the local government level as earlier communicated by the party.”