2027 Elections: NDC Hands Obi, Kwankwaso Control of Key Campaign Council Nominations

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has authorised its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to nominate several principal officers for the party’s Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Under the arrangement, the two candidates are expected to nominate the Director-General, Deputy Director-General for the North, campaign spokesperson and deputy spokesperson, Head of New Media, Finance Director, Deputy Finance Director and other key officials.

The decision followed consultations involving Obi, Kwankwaso, the party’s National Leader and other members of the NDC leadership.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday, explaining that the arrangement was intended to foster inclusiveness and unity within the campaign structure.

Director said the proposed organogram for the campaign council had been prepared since August and forwarded to Obi and Kwankwaso for their contributions. He added that nominations had also been received from stakeholders across the country.

He stated, “The party leadership has given a free hand to the presidential candidate and his running mate to make nominations.”

According to the spokesman, the party will proceed with the announcement and inauguration of the campaign council after receiving the candidates’ submissions.

The inauguration was originally planned for the first week of September but was postponed because of Obi’s travel schedule.

Director also disclosed that the party had prepared a campaign timetable since August but was awaiting the completion of funding and fundraising arrangements to be led by the presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

On the management of campaign finances, he said all funds raised would be deposited into the presidential campaign account and jointly administered by officials nominated by Obi and Kwankwaso alongside the NDC National Treasurer.

He explained that the Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director would work with the National Treasurer to maintain proper financial records and accountability.

According to him, the party would also be required to submit its financial accounts to the Independent National Electoral Commission in accordance with the Electoral Act.

Director appealed to candidates contesting under the NDC to discourage their supporters and affiliated groups from engaging in internal conflicts, urging them instead to concentrate on the electoral contest.

“We also appeal to all our 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. The common opponent to defeat is the ruling APC.

“We are committed as a party. The party has done its own and is ready to do more. The candidates and their supporters are encouraged to do the same,” he stated.

The NDC spokesman further reminded the party’s candidates that they were contesting the elections under the platform of the party and should therefore maintain focus on the campaign.

He said, “Our candidates should keep their eyes on the ball and focus on winning.

“The NDC wants all our candidates at all levels to win resoundingly, especially as they are not running as independent candidates.”