Supporters of Rivers State governorship aspirant, Blessing Fubara, under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), have dismissed reports claiming that businessman Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs has emerged winner of the party’s governorship primary election.
The group described as false and misleading media reports alleging that Lulu-Briggs had defeated Blessing Fubara in the ongoing NDC governorship primaries in Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the supporters said no official result had been released by either the NDC or the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that the primary process remained inconclusive.
According to the statement, reports declaring any aspirant winner at this stage were premature and not backed by any official announcement from the party or electoral authorities.
“The NDC Governorship Primaries for Rivers State are yet to be concluded. Neither the party nor INEC has officially declared a winner. Any claim suggesting that Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs has emerged victorious is false and misleading,” the statement said.
The group further stated that critical stages of the primary election process, including delegates’ verification, collation of results, and final certification by the party’s national leadership and INEC, were still ongoing.
It maintained that Blessing Fubara remains a valid contestant in the race and continues to participate in the process in accordance with the provisions of the party constitution and the Electoral Act.
While expressing respect for Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs and other aspirants, the supporters cautioned against the dissemination of unverified information capable of creating confusion among party members and the public.
They argued that announcing winners before the conclusion of the official process could undermine the credibility of the exercise and weaken public confidence in internal party democracy.
The statement also urged media organisations, bloggers and social media users to exercise caution and verify information before publication.
The supporters called on the National Working Committee of the NDC, INEC and relevant security agencies to investigate the source of the reports and take appropriate action against individuals spreading misinformation.
They reiterated that Blessing Fubara remains committed to a peaceful and transparent process and would abide by the outcome of the primaries once officially announced by the appropriate authorities.
The group added that all communications regarding the primary election would continue to come through recognised party channels until the process is formally concluded.