The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged its candidates and support groups to focus on defeating the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in the upcoming general elections, rather than engaging in internal conflicts. In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party emphasized the need for unity and a cohesive structure ahead of the elections. The NDC leadership has been engaging with its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to ensure a unified approach.
The NDC has given Obi and Kwankwaso a free hand to nominate key positions in the campaign hierarchy, including Director-General and Deputy Director-General (North) of the Campaign, Campaign Spokesperson, and Finance Director. The party assured its members and supporters that plans are underway to finalize and officially inaugurate its Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) ahead of the elections. According to the party, a comprehensive structure and campaign timetable had been prepared since August.
The initial launch of the PCC scheduled for the first week of September was postponed to accommodate Obi's travel schedule. The council will be inaugurated immediately after receiving the final inputs from both Obi and Kwankwaso. The party explained that campaign funds will be jointly managed by the candidate-nominated Finance Director, Deputy Finance Director, and the NDC National Treasurer to ensure strict compliance with statutory accounting rules mandated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The NDC appealed to all candidates and their supporters to refrain from intra-party skirmishes and focus on the primary goal of unseating the ruling APC. The party emphasized that candidates at all levels must remain focused on winning resoundingly, as none are contesting as independent candidates. In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, the NDC national leadership issued an immediate directive to all State and Local Government Area (LGA) Chairmen to convene harmonization meetings with candidates and stakeholders.
The primary objectives of the directive are to generate two distinct lists of party polling agents—one set for the National Assembly elections and another for the Governorship and State Assembly elections—and submit the lists for scrutiny and final approval by party leadership, the presidential candidate, and his running mate prior to formal agent training. The party also announced a special committee tasked with overseeing the appointment of party agents, headed by Comrade Babatunde Alli as Chairman.
The committee, which includes Vin Martin Ilo as Secretary, and Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Nafiu Dankura, and the National Vice Chairmen of the six geopolitical zones as members, will ensure a smooth process for appointing party agents. The NDC urged all stakeholders to work together to achieve the party's goals in the upcoming elections. The party's efforts aim to present a united front against the APC.
The NDC's decision to cede key campaign council appointments to Obi and Kwankwaso is seen as a move to strengthen the party's chances in the elections. The party's leadership has expressed confidence in Obi and Kwankwaso's ability to lead the party to victory. The inauguration of the PCC and the appointment of party agents are crucial steps towards achieving the party's objectives in the elections.
Key points
- The NDC has given Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso a free hand to nominate key positions in the campaign hierarchy.
- The party has prepared a comprehensive structure and campaign timetable since August.
- The NDC has urged its candidates and support groups to focus on defeating the ruling APC in the upcoming general elections.
