NDC Inaugurates 9-man Screening Committee To Vet Cross River Assembly Aspirants

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cross River State has inaugurated a nine-man screening committee headed by a former aide to ex-Governor Donald Duke, Mr. Agbiji Mbeh, to vet aspirants seeking the party’s ticket for the State House of Assembly elections.

The state party chairman, Mr. Goddie Akpama, who inaugurated the committee on May 19, 2026, charged members to ensure a transparent and credible selection process.

Akpama said the exercise would focus specifically on Cross River State, rather than being conducted on a zonal basis.

He noted that the committee has representation from the South, Central and North senatorial districts to ensure fair coverage across the state, adding that the party expects to screen between 10 and 11 aspirants in the first batch.

The committee was given a three-day deadline to submit its report, with more aspirants expected to purchase nomination forms.

Describing the assignment as “very enormous and serious business,” Akpama warned that the party is under close watch by political opponents whom he described as individuals seeking ways to undermine NDC’s efforts.

He urged the committee to carry out its duty without compromise in order to protect the party’s chances and integrity, stressing that the selection process must follow due process and the law.

He expressed confidence that if the committee applies the right criteria, God would grant the party victory in the upcoming Assembly elections. While acknowledging that the assignment would not be easy, he said the chairman and members were capable of doing a thorough job.

Akpama also recounted an incident in which an aspirant questioned the need for a tax clearance certificate, using it to stress that all constitutional and party requirements must be met.

“Wherever you find anyone wanting, don’t think of pardoning,” he told the committee, adding that the aim is to prove that NDC has credible candidates.

According to Akpama, the committee’s mandate is to distinguish between aspirants who are qualified to proceed and those who should not be cleared.

He said rigorous screening would strengthen the party’s lineup for the Cross River State House of Assembly polls and improve its chances against rival parties.

“We are looking for the best among many. We expect the committee to be thorough. We want them to produce credible and saleable candidates who can defeat their political opponents in the final elections,” Akpama said.

Responding, the committee chairman, Mr. Agbiji Mbeh, assured the party that he and his team would work diligently to ensure that qualified and saleable candidates secure their nomination forms to contest the elections.