Abasi Ita
The Cross River State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has inaugurated a nine member screening committee to oversee the screening of aspirants seeking the party’s ticket for the 2027 State House of Assembly elections.
The committee is headed by former aide to erstwhile Governor Donald Duke and two time member of the Cross River State House of Assembly representing Ikom I State Constituency, Rt Hon Agbiji Mbeh Agbiji.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Calabar, the state chairman of the party, Mr Goddie Akpama, charged members of the committee to ensure a transparent and credible screening process.
Akpama said the committee was drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state namely South, Central and North, stressing that the exercise should focus on the overall interest of Cross River State.
He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in the forthcoming elections if the committee applies the right standards in selecting candidates.
According to him, the task before the committee is demanding because the party is searching for credible and marketable candidates capable of winning elections.
“We are looking for the best among many aspirants. We expect the committee to be thorough and to present credible and saleable candidates who can defeat their opponents in the general elections,” Akpama said.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Rt Hon Agbiji Mbeh Agbiji assured the party leadership that members of the panel would carry out their assignment diligently and ensure that only qualified and electable aspirants emerge from the screening exercise.