The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cross River State has suffered a setback ahead of the 2027 governorship election following the withdrawal of its deputy governorship candidate, Stella Charles Archibong, from the party’s ticket.

Archibong announced her decision on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, declaring support for the re-election bid of Governor Bassey Otu under the Back to South Movement.

She said her decision followed consultations with family members, elders, Christian leaders and political stakeholders across the state.

According to her, the collective interest and development of Cross River State outweighed her personal political ambition.

“My responsibility to Cross River State is bigger than my individual ambition,” she said.

Archibong also expressed appreciation to the NDC State Chairman, Goddy Akwama, the party’s governorship candidate, John Odey, and the national leadership for giving her the opportunity to serve on the party’s platform.

She apologised to supporters who might be disappointed by her withdrawal and thanked them for their support throughout her political engagement with the party.

Her decision to support Governor Otu also signals her alignment with the Back to South Movement, which is advocating for the Southern Senatorial District to retain the governorship position for another term.

Reacting to the development, the NDC governorship candidate, John Odey, described her withdrawal as surprising but urged party members and supporters to remain calm.

Odey said the situation required maturity, mutual respect and responsible leadership, adding that consultations were ongoing with party leaders and stakeholders to understand the circumstances surrounding her decision and determine the party’s next steps.

He, however, reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing the party’s political aspirations and building what he described as a prosperous and inclusive Cross River State.

Archibong’s withdrawal comes as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to produce electoral documents submitted by President Bola Tinubu during the 1999 Lagos State governorship election and the 2023 presidential election.

The order was issued through a subpoena in the ongoing criminal trial of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) politician, Omoyele Sowore, who is facing prosecution over his description of President Tinubu as a criminal.

According to court documents, Justice Mohammed Garba Umar directed Amupitan to appear before the court and produce two specific documents: Tinubu’s INEC Form CF01, including the affidavit relating to lost certificates, submitted during his 1999 governorship bid, and the Form CF01 submitted for the 2023 presidential election.

The subpoena, titled Subpoena Duces Tecum, was issued in charge number FHC/CR/484/2025, in which the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the complainant and Sowore is the defendant. It was addressed to the INEC chairman at the commission’s headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The order forms part of efforts by Sowore’s defence team to obtain documents and call witnesses as the activist presents his case against the charges brought by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Sowore disclosed the development on Monday after court proceedings, saying the court had also accepted a subpoena requiring Lagos-based All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, to appear as a witness.

He told journalists that Amupitan and Igbokwe were expected to testify on Wednesday, although the specific evidence the defence intends to obtain from the witnesses was not fully disclosed.

The activist also cautioned the prosecution against taking steps to challenge the subpoenas or prevent the witnesses from appearing in court.

Sowore’s trial followed his refusal to retract his description of Tinubu as a criminal, a statement that led to his prosecution by the DSS. The activist has maintained his position while challenging the basis of the case.

The latest development comes amid other legal disputes involving Tinubu’s electoral records. In a separate case, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress have challenged the President’s eligibility for the 2027 election over allegations concerning his NYSC discharge certificate. Tinubu and the APC have denied submitting a forged certificate.

The subpoena does not, by itself, establish that any document submitted by Tinubu was false or that the President committed an offence. It requires the INEC chairman to produce the specified records and give evidence in the ongoing proceedings.

The Lagos State governorship debate ahead of the 2027 general elections is scheduled to hold today, Sunday, November 8, at 7:00 p.m., bringing major contenders for the state’s top political office together to present their plans and respond to questions from voters.

The debate is being organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, a coalition of five media organisations comprising Channels Television, TVC News, Punch Newspaper, TheCable and Vanguard Newspaper.

The event will take place at The Hub by IALA, House of His Glory, Plot 18, Providence Road, beside Keystone Bank, Marwa, Lekki, Lagos State. It will be the first in a series of debates planned by the consortium for selected states ahead of the 2027 elections, with a presidential debate and town hall expected to conclude the programme.

Among the major governorship contenders expected at the debate are Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Obafemi Hamzat; African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour; and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Funso Doherty.

The candidates are expected to discuss key issues affecting residents, including transportation, infrastructure, security, housing, education, healthcare, job creation and economic growth.

According to the organisers, the debate will provide an opportunity for candidates to explain their policy proposals, defend their positions and demonstrate how they intend to address the challenges facing Lagos State.

The consortium said all participating candidates would be subjected to the same rules, speaking times and moderation standards, with fairness, neutrality, equal opportunity and editorial independence guiding the proceedings.

The debate will be moderated by experienced journalists and broadcast to national and digital audiences through the platforms of the participating media organisations.

The organisers have urged Lagos residents, particularly eligible voters, young people, civil society groups, professional associations and members of the business community, to follow the programme and assess the candidates’ proposals ahead of the February 6, 2027 governorship election.

The debate is expected to offer voters an opportunity to examine the candidates’ positions beyond campaign speeches and promises as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the election.