NEWS
2027: NDC Suffers Major Setback in Cross River as Deputy Governorship Candidate, Stella Archibong Dumps Party, Backs Otu’s Re-election
2027: NDC Suffers Major Setback in Cross River as Deputy Governorship Candidate, Stella Archibong Dumps Party, Backs Otu’s Re-election
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cross River State has suffered a significant political setback ahead of the 2027 governorship election following the withdrawal of its Deputy Governorship candidate, Mrs. Stella Charles Archibong, from the party’s governorship ticket.
Archibong announced her decision in a statement made available to journalists in Calabar on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, where she declared her support for the re-election of Governor Bassey Otu under the political platform of the Back to South Movement.
Her withdrawal represents a major development in the state’s emerging political landscape as political parties and aspirants intensify consultations, alliances and strategic realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Explaining the reasons behind her decision, Archibong disclosed that her withdrawal followed extensive consultations with elders, members of her family, the Christian community and other influential political stakeholders across Cross River State.
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She maintained that her decision was informed by what she considered the greater interest of the state, stressing that the collective aspirations and development of Cross River were more important than her personal political ambition.
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“My responsibility to Cross River State is bigger than my individual ambition,” she declared.
The former NDC deputy governorship candidate further indicated her willingness to align with the political direction of the Otu administration, openly expressing support for the governor’s second-term ambition through the Back to South Movement.
Archibong also acknowledged the NDC leadership for the opportunity to participate in the party’s political process, specifically expressing appreciation to the State Chairman, Mr. Goddy Akpama, the party’s governorship candidate, Mr. John Odey, and the national leadership for the confidence reposed in her.
She equally apologised to supporters and political associates who might be disappointed by her decision to withdraw from the ticket, while expressing gratitude for their encouragement, loyalty and confidence throughout her political engagement with the party.
Her announcement is expected to generate reactions within the NDC, particularly as the party prepares to consolidate its political structures and position itself for the 2027 governorship contest.
Reacting to the development, the NDC governorship candidate, Mr. John Odey, described Archibong’s withdrawal as surprising but appealed to party members and supporters not to allow the development to create divisions within their ranks.
He urged members to remain calm, exercise restraint and demonstrate political maturity as the party navigates the situation.
Archibong’s departure and declaration of support for Governor Otu introduce another significant twist to the political calculations in Cross River State, with the 2027 governorship election gradually shaping up as a contest defined by political alliances, shifting loyalties and competing interests.
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