A group of youths under the banner of Concerned NDC Gombe Youths has urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) national leadership not to pick Dr. Babayo Ardo’s as the party’s governorship candidate in the 2027 election over his pending case at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking at a press conference in Gombe, the group’s State Chairman, Peter Emmanuel, said presenting Ardo as the party’s candidate would undermine the NDC’s credibility and affect its victory in the election.
Emmanuel argued that the NDC, was founded on principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability opining that it should not field candidates with unresolved questions at anti graft agencies.
He pointed to allegations and scrutiny involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during Ardo’s time as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
“The NDC must protect its image by ensuring its candidates are individuals whose records can withstand public scrutiny,” Emmanuel said.
The group also raised concerns that Ardo’s past service under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration fuels public suspicion that the NDC is being influenced or sponsored by the ruling party.
They warned that granting him the ticket would reinforce that perception and weaken trust in the party’s independence.
The group called on the party’s national leadership in Abuja to prioritise candidates with genuine grassroots support and unquestionable independence, warning that ignoring the youth vote could cost the party in 2027.
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