2027: NDC Hands Obi, Kwankwaso Key Campaign Council Roles

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has allowed its 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to nominate key officials for the party’s Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the general elections.

The decision was disclosed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, on Tuesday after consultations involving Obi, Kwankwaso, the party’s National Leader and other members of the leadership.

Under the arrangement, Obi and Kwankwaso will nominate the Director-General, Deputy Director-General for the North, campaign spokesman, deputy spokesman, Head of New Media, Finance Director, Deputy Finance Director and other important members of the campaign council.

The party said the nominations would be made in consultation with its leadership as part of efforts to create an inclusive campaign structure and strengthen cooperation among those involved in the election.

According to the NDC, the structure for the campaign council was drawn up in August and later presented to Obi and Kwankwaso for their contributions. The party also said it had received nominations from stakeholders across the country.

The NDC said it would formally release the names and inaugurate the campaign council after receiving the presidential candidate and running mate’s input.

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

The party also disclosed that a campaign timetable had been prepared since August. However, its implementation is being delayed by ongoing arrangements for campaign funding and fundraising, which the party said would be led by the presidential candidates.

On the management of campaign funds, the NDC said all money raised would be paid into the presidential campaign account. The account would be jointly managed by officials nominated by Obi and Kwankwaso alongside the party’s National Treasurer.

The Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director are expected to work with the National Treasurer to maintain proper records and ensure accountability. The party also noted that it would be required to submit its campaign financial records to the Independent National Electoral Commission in accordance with the Electoral Act.

The NDC urged its candidates at all levels to discourage supporters and various support groups from becoming involved in internal disputes and instead concentrate on the 2027 elections. The party said its candidates should remain focused on their campaigns and the task of defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Director also reminded candidates that they were contesting the elections under the NDC and not as independent candidates.

He urged candidates across the country to concentrate on securing electoral victories and work with the party to achieve its objectives in the 2027 general elections.