The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has started advanced consultations to constitute and inaugurate a Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 elections. Presidential candidate Peter Obi and running mate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have been given a free hand to nominate most of the council's principal officers. They have already held several meetings with National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and other party leaders.
A full organogram of the campaign structure was prepared in August and shared with Obi and Kwankwaso for input. Nominations were also received from stakeholders nationwide. The party leadership has given Obi and Kwankwaso the authority to make nominations for key positions, including the Director-General, Deputy Director-General (North), campaign spokesman and deputy, Head of New Media, Finance Director, and Deputy Finance Director.
The Finance Director and deputy, working with the party's National Treasurer, will manage campaign funds. This arrangement aims to meet transparency requirements and INEC reporting obligations under the Electoral Act. Campaign funds raised will be paid into a dedicated presidential campaign account overseen by officers nominated by Obi, Kwankwaso, and the National Treasurer of the Party.
The NDC has proposed a campaign timetable but is waiting to finalise funding and fundraising arrangements to be led by Obi and Kwankwaso. The inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council, originally planned for the first week of September, was postponed due to Obi's travel schedule. The party will announce and inaugurate the council once Obi and Kwankwaso submit their remaining inputs.
In a statement, the party called for internal discipline, appealing to all NDC candidates and their support groups to avoid intra-party battles and focus on defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The party emphasised that there are no battles to fight within the NDC and that candidates should keep their eyes on the ball and focus on winning.
The NDC directed all state and local government chairmen to convene meetings with candidates and stakeholders within two weeks to produce two lists of party agents – one for National Assembly elections and another for governorship and state assembly elections. The lists will be scrutinised and ratified by party leadership, including Obi and Kwankwaso, before training begins.
A committee for the Party Agents has been set up, chaired by Deputy National Chairman (South) Comrade Babatunde Alli, with Vin Martin Ilo as secretary. The committee will oversee the appointment of agents, ensuring a smooth process for the upcoming elections.
Key points
- Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have been given a free hand to nominate key campaign officials.
- The party aims to meet transparency requirements and INEC reporting obligations under the Electoral Act.
- The NDC has called for internal discipline, urging candidates to focus on defeating the ruling APC.
