The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has scheduled the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council for October 20, as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections. This move is seen as a significant step in the party's electoral preparations, ahead of a fierce contest against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The NDC's National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, announced the development, dismissing allegations of inactivity or division within the party.
According to Senator Cleopas, the inauguration of the campaign council will coincide with a meeting of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC), where critical decisions concerning the 2027 elections will be ratified. The party's presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, will also receive their Certificates of Return during the event. Cleopas emphasized that the party's structures remain intact, and its leadership is fully behind the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.
The NDC's campaign preparations come as political parties begin to consolidate structures and position themselves for the 2027 electoral race. The party's National Working Committee has held several meetings since August, submitting proposals on the composition of the campaign council to the party leadership for consideration. Cleopas stressed that the party is taking particular care in selecting members of the council, given the sensitive nature of the election.
The NDC chairman rejected claims that the party had gone quiet since unveiling its candidates, maintaining that Obi, Kwankwaso, and other party figures have continued engaging with Nigerians through consultations and town hall meetings across the country. Recent engagements have taken place in Sokoto and Kaduna, with the party scheduled to visit Enugu on October 15. Cleopas described these interactions as evidence of the party's active campaigning.
Cleopas also projected a united front within the party, declaring that the National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, members of the NWC and NEC, and other party structures are aligned in their determination to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. He described this combination as the most suitable to lead the country. The party's careful approach to campaigning reflects its focus on getting its structures right before launching into full-scale campaigning.
The planned inauguration of the campaign council is seen as a strategic move by the NDC, as it prepares to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections. The APC has also been active in its preparations, with President Tinubu scheduled to inaugurate the APC campaign council on October 14. The two parties are expected to engage in a fierce electoral contest, with the NDC seeking to capitalize on its perceived strengths.
The inauguration of the NDC's campaign council marks a significant milestone in the party's preparations for the 2027 elections. With its structures in place and its leadership united, the party is poised to present a strong challenge to the APC. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the party's electoral prospects, as it seeks to build momentum and mobilize support across the country.
Key points
- The NDC will inaugurate its Presidential Campaign Council on October 20.
- The party's national chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, has dismissed allegations of inactivity or division within the party.
- The NDC's presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, will receive their Certificates of Return during the event.
