The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced plans to inaugurate its Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) on October 20 as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections. This move is part of efforts to strengthen the party's structures and prepare for the forthcoming elections. The party's National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, made this disclosure at a news conference in Abuja on Saturday.
According to Cleopas, the National Working Committee (NWC) had developed the structure of the Presidential Campaign Council and submitted it to the party's presidential and vice-presidential candidates for consultation. The consultations aim to ensure that appointments reflect the experience, contributions, and expectations of the candidates who will lead the party's presidential campaign. Key positions under consideration include Director-General, Deputy Director-General, Finance Director, Director of Mobilisation, and spokesperson.
The NDC party chairman stated that the party is taking its time to make appropriate appointments to prevent disagreements that could affect its campaign activities. Despite public concerns over the timing of the campaign council's inauguration, the party has continued preparations for the 2027 elections. Cleopas mentioned that the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have been engaging Nigerians through consultations and town hall meetings.
The party has conducted engagements in Rivers, Sokoto, and Kaduna states, with another town hall meeting scheduled to take place in Enugu on October 15. These consultations are part of efforts to strengthen the party's engagement with Nigerians ahead of the elections. The party chairman emphasized the importance of these interactions in building a strong connection with the electorate.
In addition to campaign council preparations, the NDC has commenced preparations for the deployment of polling agents, with its state structures already activated. This initiative aims to address challenges associated with election-day representation and strengthen the party's capacity to protect its votes during the 2027 elections. The party is working with its senatorial, House of Representatives, governorship, and state assembly candidates to identify and prepare agents for their respective constituencies.
Cleopas stressed that vote protection should begin with voter awareness, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant after casting their ballots and ensure their votes are properly recorded and counted. He also cautioned support groups against interfering in the administration of the party, insisting that such responsibilities rest with constitutionally recognized party structures. The chairman acknowledged the importance of groups such as the OK Movement and the Obidient Movement to electoral mobilisation.
The NDC party chairman concluded by recognizing the relevance of support groups while warning them against attempting to manage party affairs or independently perform the functions of the Presidential Campaign Council. Cleopas expressed the party's appreciation for the contributions of these groups, citing their role in mobilizing support for the party. The inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council on October 20 is expected to further boost the party's preparations for the 2027 elections.
Key points
- The NDC party will inaugurate its Presidential Campaign Council on October 20.
- The party has started preparations for deploying polling agents.
- The NDC has been engaging Nigerians through consultations and town hall meetings.
