The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that discussions on the formation and inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council are nearing completion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party disclosed that its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have been granted the authority to select several key members of the proposed campaign leadership.
NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, made this known in a statement issued on Monday, explaining that Obi and Kwankwaso had engaged in a series of consultations with the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, as well as other senior stakeholders.
The party said the proposed structure for the campaign was developed in August and presented to the presidential candidate and his running mate for further contributions. It added that various stakeholders had also forwarded their recommendations for positions within the campaign organisation.
According to the NDC, positions expected to be filled through nominations by Obi and Kwankwaso include Director-General, Deputy Director-General for the North, Campaign Spokesperson, Deputy Campaign Spokesperson, Head of New Media, Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director, among others.
The party explained that the officials overseeing campaign finances would work closely with the National Treasurer to ensure proper management of funds. It said the financial process would be conducted in line with transparency standards and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The NDC further stated that money generated for the presidential campaign would be deposited into a separate account created specifically for the campaign. The account, it said, would be monitored by representatives nominated by Obi, Kwankwaso and the National Treasurer.
A proposed programme of campaign activities has also been prepared, although the party said its implementation would depend on the completion of fundraising and other financial arrangements being handled by the presidential candidate and his running mate.
The inauguration of the campaign council was initially expected to take place during the first week of September. However, the exercise was postponed following Obi’s travel commitments.
The party said the campaign council would be unveiled and inaugurated after Obi and Kwankwaso submit the remaining details required for the completion of the process.
The NDC also cautioned its candidates and support organisations against engaging in disagreements that could create divisions within the party. It urged members to concentrate on the broader objective of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party stressed that candidates contesting elections under its platform are not operating independently and must therefore recognise and work within the wider structure of the NDC.
Meanwhile, the party has rejected a purported Presidential Campaign Council announced by a group known as the “OK Movement.”
In another statement signed by NDC National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses, the party said the structure reportedly linked to John Ugulu was neither initiated nor authorised by its leadership.
The party therefore disassociated itself from the purported announcement and urged the public and media organisations to disregard it.
The NDC warned that no individual, group or support organisation has the mandate to establish or announce a campaign council on behalf of the party without obtaining clearance from the National Working Committee.
