The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Benue State chapter, has cautioned aspirants and party stakeholders against purchasing nomination forms through unauthorized channels, stressing that the exercise has not yet commenced.

In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Agile Ordedoo Bem, on behalf of the State Chairman, Mr. Ohini Ojegbe, the party urged aspirants who had earlier purchased intent and expression of interest forms and participated in the primary process to remain patient.

The party explained that only intent and expression of interest forms had been sold so far, noting that the sale of nomination forms would begin at the NDC State Secretariat once the list of successful candidates is officially released.

According to the statement, the state leadership has not authorized any individual or group to sell nomination forms on its behalf and therefore disassociates itself from any advertisement or sale taking place outside the party secretariat.

The NDC warned aspirants against patronizing what it described as “black market” channels for nomination forms, either within or outside Benue State.

The party further disclosed that its national leadership was finalizing documentation relating to candidates across the country and would soon publish the official list for public and media consumption.

While assuring members of transparency in the process, the party expressed confidence in its chances of securing a majority of elective positions in Benue State and across Nigeria in the forthcoming elections.

The statement called on aspirants and stakeholders to await official communication from the party regarding the commencement of nomination form sales and the release of candidates’ names.

The National Democratic Congress, NDC, in Zamfara State has expressed concern over the resurgence of banditry in parts of the state and criticised the Federal Government over what it described as inadequate protection of lives and property.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Gusau by the party’s Assistant Publicity Secretary, Murtala Gusau, the state chairman, Surajo Garba Maikatako, commiserated with communities affected by recent attacks in Zurmi, Maradun and Anka local government areas.

The party also sympathised with security agencies over the death of three police officers killed in an explosion along the Bagega-Anka road.

“The NDC sympathises with security agencies over the death of three police officers as a result of an explosion, and with communities in Zurmi, Maradun and Anka over the resurgence of banditry activities,” the statement said.

According to the party, persistent attacks on communities reflected leadership challenges and underscored the need for improved security measures.

The NDC also expressed concern over comments attributed to the state governor during a BBC interview, in which he reportedly said he did not promise to end insecurity during his election campaign.

The party further commiserated with the Zamfara State Police Command and the families of the three Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, officers who died in the line of duty.

“The party received with shock the death of three gallant EOD police officers. It is an unfortunate incident. Security agencies were advised to step up efforts in the fight against insecurity,” the statement added.