Candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) whose names appeared on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) list have commended the party’s National Leader, Seriake Dickson, for resolving disputes arising from the party’s primaries.

The candidates, in separate remarks on Wednesday, said Dickson’s intervention helped address concerns over delays in the publication of the party’s candidates’ list, especially for National Assembly elections.

They said his efforts contributed to reconciling aggrieved aspirants and restoring confidence within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

NDC candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District and former senator, Nkechi Nwaogu, commended Dickson for his role in guiding the party through challenges associated with the primaries and nomination process.

Nwaogu urged aspirants who did not secure the party’s tickets to remain committed, saying electoral contests produce winners and losers.

She appealed to them to support the party’s efforts toward victory in the 2027 elections.

“I appeal to aspirants who did not get tickets to see this as a contest in which those who lost today can win tomorrow.

“They should work with our party to ensure its victory in the 2027 elections,” she said.

Also reacting, Nnamdi Iroegbu, who did not secure the party’s House of Representatives ticket for Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency in Imo, accepted the outcome and pledged continued support for the party.

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has charged contractors handling the trans-Saharan highway project to strictly adhere to approved engineering standards and specifications to ensure quality delivery.

Nwifuru gave the charge on Tuesday during an inspection of the 118-kilometre highway stretching from Ndibe Bridge in Afikpo through Onicha, Ezza South, Ezza North and Ebonyi Local Government Area to Gboko in Benue State.

Speaking at the proposed flyover site in Ukwuachi, he said that the project would ease traffic congestion and improve the movement of commuters and other road users.

The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for approving major infrastructure projects in the South-East, describing them as a significant boost to the region’s development.

According to him, the President has demonstrated commitment to providing critical infrastructure and improving the welfare of the people.

He assured the contractors of the state’s cooperation, particularly in addressing issues relating to project implementation and evaluation to ensure timely completion.

Nwifuru, however, warned against substandard work, insisting that the project must comply with approved designs and engineering specifications.

He also called on the people of the South-East to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in the region.

The Federal Controller of Works in Ebonyi, Maxwell Okoha, said that the flyover component was designed to decongest traffic, enhance road safety and improve transportation along the corridor.

Also, Mustapha Mohammad, the Managing Director of Infouest Construction Company Ltd., assured the governor that the company would adhere to the required standards and deliver the project as scheduled. 

The presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, has withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race to endorse the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu.

Imumolen, a factional National Chairman of the party, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, noting that his decision followed extensive consultations with the party’s leadership.

He described his withdrawal as a patriotic sacrifice aimed at prioritising national unity, stability, and continuous development over personal political ambition.

“Following my emergence as the presidential candidate of the Accord Party during the duly conducted presidential primaries, I, in consultation with the leadership of the party, made the patriotic decision to withdraw from the presidential race and fully support the re-election of President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

“This decision was not borne out of personal interest, but from a deep conviction that the unity, stability, and continued progress of Nigeria must take precedence over personal political ambition,” he said.

Highlighting 10 reasons for endorsing Tinubu’s re-election, Imumolen noted that the President’s reform agenda closely aligns with his manifesto, particularly in economic transformation, education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, industrialisation, and national development.

“His resilience and ability to navigate Nigeria’s complex political and economic landscape demonstrate uncommon courage, determination, and strategic leadership worthy of emulation.

“In Nigeria’s democratic history, President Tinubu has consistently displayed extraordinary political wisdom, foresight, and nation-building capacity that have produced transformational leaders across the country.

“His commitment to sustaining progressive governance through purposeful leadership, institutional reforms, and continuity provides confidence in Nigeria’s long-term growth and stability,” he added.

He said Tinubu had also shown a remarkable ability to identify capable individuals, build consensus, promote national unity, and make difficult decisions in the best interest of the nation.

Imumolen expressed belief that the President is uniquely positioned to provide a seamless transition between the founding generation of Nigeria’s democratic leadership and the emerging generation of transformational leaders.

He added that in spite of current economic challenges, he remained convinced that Tinubu’s policy direction, fiscal discipline, and decisive leadership would reposition Nigeria’s economy for sustainable prosperity.

“His willingness to engage and collaborate with progressive-minded Nigerians across political parties reflects true statesmanship and a genuine commitment to national development above partisan interests.

“My aspiration has always been to serve Nigeria and not merely to occupy public office.

“Whenever the national interest is better served through unity and strategic collaboration, I will always choose Nigeria above personal political ambition.”

He said that at this critical stage of the nation’s development, continuity in governance, policy consistency, political stability, and sustained reforms were essential for attracting investment.

He said it was also necessary for creating jobs, strengthening institutions, and building a prosperous Nigeria for future generations.

“Today, I therefore declare my total support for the re-election of President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

“I equally call on members of the Accord Party, my supporters across Nigeria, the youth, professionals, and all patriotic Nigerians to join hands in supporting this national project,” Imumolen said.