The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has given its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the freedom to nominate key members of the party's presidential campaign council ahead of the 2027 elections. This decision was made to promote inclusiveness and cohesion in the campaign structure. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, following consultations between Obi, Kwankwaso, and the party's national leader, Seriake Dickson, and leadership.
According to the NDC, Obi and Kwankwaso 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. The organogram of 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 nationwide.
The NDC said it would announce and inaugurate the council after receiving the candidates' inputs. The inauguration, initially scheduled for the first week of September, was postponed due to Obi's travel schedule. The party also said it had proposed a campaign timetable since August but was awaiting the conclusion of funding and fundraising arrangements to be spearheaded by the 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 and the party's national treasurer. The finance director and his deputy would work with the national treasurer to ensure transparency and accountability, noting that the party was required to render accounts to the Independent National Electoral Commission in line with the Electoral Act.
Director urged the party's candidates to remain focused on the elections, stressing that they were contesting under the NDC. He said, "Our candidates should keep their eyes on the ball and focus on winning." The NDC wants all its candidates at all levels to win resoundingly, especially as they are not running as independent candidates.
The party also appealed to all its candidates at all levels to restrain their supporters and support groups to focus on the need to win elections. There are no battles to fight within the NDC, as the common opponent to defeat is the ruling APC. The party is committed to doing its part, and candidates and their supporters are encouraged to do the same.
The NDC's decision to give Obi and Kwankwaso a free hand to nominate campaign council members is seen as a move to ensure the party's success in the 2027 elections. The party is yet to announce the inauguration date of the campaign council.
Key points
- The NDC party gives Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso a free hand to nominate key members of the presidential campaign council.
- The party aims to promote inclusiveness and cohesion in the campaign structure.
- The NDC proposed a campaign timetable and is awaiting the conclusion of funding and fundraising arrangements.
