2027: NDC Awaits Obi, Kwankwaso’s Picks for Campaign Council

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has handed its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the responsibility of nominating key officials into the party’s presidential campaign council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said the two candidates had been given a free hand to nominate the Director-General, Deputy Director-General for the North, campaign spokesman and deputy spokesman, head of new media, finance director and deputy finance director, among other officials.

The NDC disclosed this in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, following consultations involving Obi, Kwankwaso, the party’s national leader, Seriake Dickson, and other members of the leadership.

According to the party, the arrangement is aimed at promoting inclusiveness and cohesion in the campaign structure.

Director said the organogram for the campaign council had been prepared since August and submitted to Obi and Kwankwaso for their input, while nominations had also been received from stakeholders across the country.

He said, “The party leadership has given a free hand to the presidential candidate and his running mate to make nominations.”

The NDC said the campaign council would be formally announced and inaugurated after the candidates submitted their nominations.

The inauguration, which was initially scheduled for the first week of September, was postponed following Obi’s travel schedule.

The party also disclosed that a campaign timetable had been proposed since August but was awaiting the conclusion of funding and fundraising arrangements to be coordinated by the presidential candidates.

On campaign finances, Director said funds raised would be paid into the presidential campaign account and jointly managed by officials nominated by Obi and Kwankwaso alongside the party’s national treasurer.

He added that the finance director and deputy would work with the national treasurer to ensure transparency and accountability, stressing that the party would render accounts to the Independent National Electoral Commission in accordance with the Electoral Act.

The NDC also appealed to its candidates, supporters and support groups to remain focused on the 2027 elections and avoid internal disputes.

“There are no battles to fight within the NDC. The common opponent to defeat is the ruling APC,” Director said.

He urged candidates contesting under the party’s platform at all levels to concentrate on their campaigns, stressing that they were running under the NDC rather than as independent candidates.

The development comes amid ongoing efforts by opposition groups to consolidate their structures ahead of the 2027 general elections. The NDC and the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement had recently disagreed over the composition of a proposed presidential campaign council.