The Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has rejected reports claiming that the name of its Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr. Mike Barieenee Nwielaghi, was not uploaded on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, portal.
The party’s media directorate described the report as false and misleading in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
According to the directorate, Nwielaghi remains the party’s duly presented and recognised candidate for the deputy governorship position in Rivers State.
“We state unequivocally that this narrative is false and misleading. The name of our deputy governorship candidate was successfully uploaded by INEC,” the statement said.
The party consequently urged Nigerians, its supporters and members of the media to verify electoral claims through appropriate official channels before sharing them.
The Rivers NDC said Nwielaghi’s details were submitted through the appropriate electoral process.
It urged the public to disregard publications suggesting otherwise, arguing that political discussions should be based on verified information rather than speculation.
“Political discourse should be guided by facts, not speculation, misinformation or attempts to create unnecessary confusion within the electorate,” the statement added.
The party said it remained committed to transparency, due process and issue-based political engagement as the electoral process progresses.
It also pledged to continue providing what it described as accurate information to residents of Rivers State.
“The facts remain clear. Dr. Mike Nwielaghi is the NDC Deputy Governorship Candidate for Rivers State,” the media directorate stated.
The party further expressed appreciation to Rivers residents for their support and confidence in the NDC.
Nwielaghi also confirmed that his name had been uploaded by INEC.
Speaking on the development, he expressed confidence in the party’s prospects at the next governorship election.
He said the NDC was prepared to take over the administration of Rivers State and provide what he described as the level of democracy the people deserved.
Nwielaghi also praised the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Dumo Lulu Briggs.
According to him, Briggs enjoys the love and support of the people of Rivers State.
The NDC deputy governorship candidate’s comments come amid the party’s efforts to dispel what it described as misinformation surrounding its candidates and electoral participation.
The party maintained that it would continue to engage voters as the electoral process advances, while urging journalists and members of the public to verify information before publication or circulation.
