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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cross River State has been hit by the withdrawal of its deputy governorship candidate, Mrs Stella Charles Archibong, who has announced her support for Governor Bassey Otu’s second-term bid.
Archibong made her decision public in a statement released to journalists in Calabar on Wednesday, saying she would now align with the governor’s re-election campaign under the Back to South Movement.
She credited her withdrawal to consultations with family members, elders, Christian leaders and political stakeholders across the state.
Explaining her decision, Archibong said her commitment to the development of Cross River outweighed her personal political ambition.
“My responsibility to Cross River State is bigger than my individual ambition,” she said.
She also thanked the NDC leadership for giving her the opportunity to contest on its platform, particularly the state chairman, Goddy Akpama, the party’s governorship candidate, John Odey, and members of the national leadership.
Archibong apologised to supporters who might be disappointed by her decision and expressed appreciation for their support during her political engagement with the party.
Reacting to the development, Odey described her withdrawal as unexpected but called on party members and supporters to remain calm.
In a statement, the NDC governorship candidate said the situation required restraint, mutual respect and responsible leadership.
“This development has come as a surprise. I believe that moments such as this call for calm, maturity, mutual respect, and responsible leadership,” he said.
Odey said he respected Archibong’s contributions and commitment to the aspirations of Cross River State, despite her decision to leave the party’s ticket.
He disclosed that the party had begun consultations with its leaders, stakeholders and other concerned individuals to establish the circumstances surrounding her withdrawal and determine its next course of action.
The NDC candidate maintained that the development would not alter the party’s stated commitment to building what he described as a prosperous, inclusive and economically productive Cross River State.
