The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced October 20, 2026, for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. The party aims to contest all elective positions across the country. National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuweghe, made this announcement at a press briefing. He dismissed claims that the NDC was unprepared for the elections, stating that the party has fielded candidates for presidential, senatorial, House of Representatives, governorship, and state House of Assembly contests.
Zuweghe stated that the NDC is determined to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, viewing the elections as an opportunity for Nigerians to change the country's political direction. The party's goal is to ensure that Nigeria and its citizens are salvaged from the current situation under the APC administration. The NDC chairman emphasized the party's commitment to the elections, describing it as sacrosanct and absolute.
The NDC will hold a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) on October 20, 2026, to ratify key decisions related to the 2027 General Election and present Certificates of Return to its candidates. Zuweghe described the 2027 general elections as a defining moment for the country, offering voters a chance to decide the nation's political future. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other relevant authorities to ensure a credible electoral process.
Zuweghe called on INEC and security agencies to protect every valid vote and accurately record it. He warned against actions that could compromise the integrity of the polls, emphasizing that votes must be allowed to count or be counted. The NDC chairman also announced that the party is identifying committed members to serve as polling and collation agents.
The NDC will operate within the law while taking steps to protect its votes before, during, and after the elections. Zuweghe adopted a combative tone towards the APC, warning that the NDC would not remain passive if it believed the electoral process was being undermined. He stated that the party would match the APC "fire-for-fire" before, during, and after the election until May 29, 2027.
Zuweghe emphasized that election results should be declared by authorized electoral officials at polling and collation centers, rather than through judicial intervention. He urged security and intelligence agencies to maintain political neutrality throughout the election period. The NDC chairman also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the country's stability and national interest above personal political ambition as the 2027 elections approach.
Zuweghe acknowledged the growing support the NDC is receiving from Nigerians, particularly young people who have established groups to mobilize backing for the party and its candidates. He cautioned supporters against possible infiltration of the party's support base by individuals opposed to its political ambitions. The NDC chairman reaffirmed the party's determination to participate fully in the 2027 elections and pursue a change of government through the electoral process.
Key points
- The Nigeria Democratic Congress sets October 20, 2026, for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council.
- The party aims to contest all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
- The NDC seeks to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.
