The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is moving closer to inaugurating its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election, with presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, given authority to select several key officials.
The party said the decision followed consultations involving Obi, Kwankwaso, National Leader Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and other members of the party leadership.
Under the arrangement, Obi and Kwankwaso are expected to nominate individuals for important positions, including Director-General, Deputy Director-General for the North, campaign spokesman and deputy spokesman, Head of New Media, Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director.
The NDC said the campaign structure was developed in August, when an organogram was prepared and submitted to the presidential and vice-presidential candidates for their input. Party stakeholders from different parts of the country also made nominations and contributions towards the proposed structure.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the leadership had given Obi and Kwankwaso the freedom to make their nominations as preparations continue for the campaign council.
On campaign finances, the party said funds raised would be deposited into a dedicated presidential campaign account. The account would be managed by officials nominated by Obi and Kwankwaso alongside the party’s National Treasurer.
The Finance Director and deputy would also work with the National Treasurer to maintain proper oversight of campaign funds and ensure the party meets its reporting obligations under the Electoral Act.
The NDC said it already has a proposed campaign timetable, but its implementation is dependent on the completion of funding and fundraising arrangements expected to be led by Obi and Kwankwaso.
The inauguration of the campaign council was initially planned for the first week of September but was postponed because of Obi’s travel schedule. The party said a new date and the final membership of the council would be announced after the two candidates submit their outstanding inputs.
The party also appealed to its candidates and support groups to avoid internal disagreements and concentrate on the 2027 elections.
“There are no battles to fight within the NDC. The common opponent to defeat is the ruling APC,” the statement said. “Our candidates should keep their eyes on the ball and focus on winning.”
The NDC stressed that those contesting elections under its platform are running as party candidates rather than independent candidates and should therefore work towards the party’s collective electoral objectives.
Meanwhile, preparations have begun for the selection and training of party agents across the country.
The NDC has directed its state and local government chairmen to meet with candidates and other stakeholders within two weeks to compile lists of agents for the National Assembly elections as well as the governorship and State Assembly elections.
The proposed lists will be reviewed and ratified by the party leadership, including Obi and Kwankwaso, before the selected agents undergo training.
The committee overseeing the appointment process is headed by Deputy National Chairman (South), Comrade Babatunde Alli, with Vin Martin Ilo serving as secretary. Members also include Dr Yunusa Tanko of the Obidients Movement, Nafiu Dankura of the Kwankwasiya Movement and the party’s six zonal National Vice Chairmen.
