The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has given its 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the freedom to choose key officials for the party's Presidential Campaign Council. This decision allows Obi and Kwankwaso to nominate several strategic campaign positions, subject to consultation with the party leadership. The positions to be nominated include the Director-General, Deputy Director-General (North), campaign spokesman, deputy spokesman, Head of New Media, Finance Director, and Deputy Finance Director.
According to the NDC's National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party made this decision to foster inclusiveness and ensure greater cohesion within the campaign structure. The proposed organogram for the campaign council had been prepared since August and forwarded to Obi and Kwankwaso for their consideration and input. The party also received nominations from stakeholders across the country as it works towards constituting the council.
The NDC said the campaign council would be formally announced and inaugurated after Obi and Kwankwaso submit their inputs. The inauguration, initially planned for the first week of September, was postponed due to Obi's travel schedule. The party is also preparing for the 2027 campaign timetable, which is subject to the completion of funding and fundraising arrangements to be led by the presidential candidates.
On campaign finances, the Director said funds raised for the campaign would be paid into the presidential campaign account and jointly administered by officials nominated by Obi and Kwankwaso, alongside the party's National Treasurer. The Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director would work with the National Treasurer in managing the funds and ensuring the campaign complies with applicable financial requirements.
The party spokesman appealed to NDC candidates at all levels to maintain discipline among their supporters and campaign groups as the party prepares for the elections. He urged candidates to focus on winning elections and restrain their supporters from engaging in unnecessary battles within the party. The common opponent to defeat is the ruling APC, he said.
Director further urged candidates contesting under the NDC platform to concentrate on their electoral campaigns and the party's overall objectives. He said the NDC wants all its candidates at all levels to win resoundingly, especially since they are not running as independent candidates. The party has done its part and is ready to do more, he added.
The NDC's decision to give Obi and Kwankwaso a free hand in choosing campaign chiefs is seen as a strategic move to ensure the party's success in the 2027 general elections. The party is committed to winning the elections and is taking steps to ensure a smooth and effective campaign. Key points include:
Key points
- The NDC has given Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso the freedom to choose key officials for the party's Presidential Campaign Council.
- The party is preparing for the 2027 campaign timetable, which is subject to the completion of funding and fundraising arrangements.
- Funds raised for the campaign will be jointly administered by officials nominated by Obi and Kwankwaso, alongside the party's National Treasurer.
