2026 elections: We don’t need ‘Abia Rejoice’ to win – NDC candidate

The Etugo Divine Mandate, the support structure of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Abia state, Chief Ndubuisi Etugo Ogah, has dissociated itself from a campaign poster circulating publicly with the inscription, “Abia Rejoice.”

In a statement on Monday by the group, the Etugo Divine Mandate said neither Chief Etugo Ogah nor its campaign organisation needed the “Abia Rejoice” inscription, its promoters, or any other platform to achieve what it described as the divine mandate entrusted to Ogah.

The group stated that its campaign was built around the candidacy and vision of Chief Etugo Ogah and that it would continue to work, mobilise and place its confidence in God for the fulfilment of the mandate.

“Etugo Divine Mandate and Chief Ndubuisi Ogah do not need Abia Rejoice or its promoters to achieve the divine mandate of God. We will work and hope in God alone for His own promise.”

The group further clarified that the poster in circulation was neither produced nor authorised by the Etugo Divine Mandate or the official campaign organization, stressing that the creators of the material were unknown to the group.

According to the group, it has no affiliation with the “Abia Rejoice” inscription, movement or any organization associated with it, and therefore completely disowns the poster and its intended message.

The Etugo Divine Mandate also warned individuals allegedly using the “Abia Rejoice” inscription on campaign posters to reinforce what it described as a false narrative that Chief Etugo Ogah is a placeholder candidate to desist from such actions.

“Those still trying to reinforce the false narrative of a placeholder by using the ‘Abia Rejoice’ inscription on our poster should desist forthwith. We will not hesitate to explore all lawful avenues available to protect the integrity of our candidate and campaign,” the group stated.

It reaffirmed that its sole objective is to mobilize unwavering support for Chief Etugo Ogah ahead of the 2027 Abia State governorship election, urging supporters, political associates and members of the public to disregard campaign materials that are not officially released by the Etugo Divine Mandate or the NDC Abia State Governorship Campaign Council.

The group described Chief Etugo Ogah as a divine mandate to rescue and reposition Abia state, emphasising that his emergence does not depend on the name, popularity or platform of any individual or organisation.

It urged supporters not to be distracted by unauthorised publications or campaign materials circulating in the public space.