Lagos NDC Gov Candidate, Balogun Insists He Remains Authentic Flagbearer

The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Naheem Balogun, has dismissed reports suggesting that another candidate has emerged as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 election.

Balogun said he remained the authentic governorship candidate of the NDC in Lagos State, urging his supporters and party members to remain calm and focused amid what he described as rumours and misinformation.

Naija News reports that he spoke while receiving party faithful and supporters who gathered to welcome him back from a short trip to the United States on Tuesday.

The NDC chieftain thanked the supporters for the warm reception, saying their turnout was a major source of encouragement and motivation.

Balogun appealed to members of the party not to be distracted by reports surrounding the governorship ticket, insisting that the mandate given to him by party members remained intact.

He said the party’s supporters must stay united and avoid being discouraged by speculation over the outcome of the primary election.

“I urge all our supporters not to be distracted by rumours and misinformation. Remain calm, focused and steadfast. The mandate given to us by party members cannot be taken away through speculation and propaganda,” he said.

Balogun also assured his supporters that he would continue to defend their interests and consult widely before taking any decision on the party’s political direction in the state.

“I will continue to protect the interests of our supporters and the NDC faithful. I will not take any decision affecting our collective future without consulting stakeholders across Lagos State. This project belongs to the people, and together we will determine its direction,” he added.

The governorship candidate expressed appreciation to party members across the local government areas of Lagos State for what he described as their sacrifices, loyalty and continued support.

He said their commitment had remained the foundation of the political movement he represents, adding that the support shown to him on his return reflected the confidence of the grassroots in his candidacy.

Balogun said he would continue to pursue the matter through legitimate party channels while ensuring that the interests of his supporters were protected.

According to him, the NDC must remain focused on its larger goal of presenting a credible alternative to the people of Lagos State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The NDC in Lagos State has recently been hit by internal tensions following disagreements over the outcome of its governorship primary.

Competing claims and allegations over the ticket have raised concerns among members and threatened to deepen divisions within the party ahead of future political contests.

Balogun, however, urged members to remain united and avoid actions capable of weakening the party’s chances in the state.

He said internal disagreements must be handled with maturity and through the appropriate party structures.

The reception organised for Balogun by his supporters underscored his continued influence within sections of the NDC grassroots structure in Lagos State.

His public show of support is also expected to intensify discussions within the party over its next steps as members await clarity on the governorship ticket.

Balogun maintained that the project belonged to the people and said he would continue to stand with party members who had supported his aspiration from the beginning.

He urged supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and committed to the party as efforts continue to resolve the internal issues surrounding the ticket.