The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has given its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the authority to nominate key members of the party's Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 elections. This decision was made after consultations between Obi, Kwankwaso, and the party's National Leader and leadership. The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, announced this development in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Director, the party's leadership has given Obi and Kwankwaso a free hand to make nominations for the campaign council. The duo will nominate the Director-General, Deputy Director-General (North), campaign spokesman, deputy spokesman, Head of New Media, Finance Director, Deputy Finance Director, and other officials of the council in consultation with the party leadership. This arrangement aims to promote inclusiveness and cohesion in the campaign structure.
The NDC disclosed that the organogram of the campaign council had been prepared since August and submitted to Obi and Kwankwaso for their input. Nominations have also been received from stakeholders nationwide. The party plans to announce and inaugurate the council after receiving the candidates' inputs. Initially scheduled for the first week of September, the inauguration was postponed due to Obi's travel schedule.
The NDC has proposed a campaign timetable since August but is awaiting the conclusion of funding and fundraising arrangements to be spearheaded by the candidates. On campaign finances, Director stated that funds raised would be paid into the presidential campaign account and jointly managed by officials nominated by Obi and Kwankwaso and the party's National Treasurer.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the Finance Director and his deputy will work with the National Treasurer. The party is required to render accounts to the Independent National Electoral Commission in line with the Electoral Act. Director appealed to all NDC candidates at all levels to restrain their supporters and support groups to focus on winning elections.
Director urged NDC candidates to remain focused on the elections, stressing that they are contesting under the NDC. He emphasized that the party wants all its candidates at all levels to win resoundingly, especially since they are not running as independent candidates. The NDC is committed to doing its part, and candidates and their supporters are encouraged to do the same.
The party's decision to grant Obi and Kwankwaso a free hand in campaign council appointments is seen as a move to promote unity and inclusiveness within the party. With the 2027 elections approaching, the NDC is positioning itself for a strong campaign. The party's leadership has expressed confidence in Obi and Kwankwaso's ability to lead the party to victory.
Key points
- NDC grants Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso free hand to nominate key campaign council members.
- The party aims to promote inclusiveness and cohesion in the campaign structure.
- The NDC has proposed a campaign timetable and is awaiting the conclusion of funding arrangements.
