The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has given its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a free hand to nominate key members of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party said the duo would nominate the Director-General, Deputy Director-General (North), campaign spokesman, deputy spokesman, Head of New Media, Finance Director, Deputy Finance Director and other officials of the council in consultation with the party leadership.
The NDC disclosed this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, on Tuesday, following consultations between Obi, Kwankwaso and the party’s National Leader and leadership.
Director said the arrangement was designed to promote inclusiveness and cohesion in the campaign structure.
The spokesman added that the organogram of the campaign council had been prepared since August and submitted to Obi and Kwankwaso for their input, while nominations had also been received from stakeholders nationwide.
He said, “The party leadership has given a free hand to the presidential candidate and his running mate to make nominations.”
The NDC said it would announce and inaugurate the council after receiving the candidates’ inputs.
The inauguration, initially scheduled for the first week of September, was postponed due to Obi’s travel schedule.
The party also said it had proposed a campaign timetable since August but was awaiting the conclusion of funding and fundraising arrangements to be spearheaded by the candidates.
On campaign finances, the Director said funds raised would be paid into the presidential campaign account and jointly managed by officials nominated by Obi and Kwankwaso and the party’s National Treasurer.
He said the Finance Director and his deputy would work with the National Treasurer to ensure transparency and accountability, noting that the party was required to render accounts to the Independent National Electoral Commission in line with the Electoral Act.
“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.
Director further urged its candidates to remain focused on the elections, stressing that they were contesting under the NDC.
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.”
