By Dennis Okechukwu
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it is finalising consultations for the composition and inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party said its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had held meetings with the party’s National Leader and other leaders as part of efforts to conclude arrangements for the campaign structure.
In a statement issued on Monday by the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, the party said Obi and Kwankwaso had been given the responsibility of nominating key officials of the campaign council in consultation with the party.
According to the statement, the positions to be nominated by the presidential and vice-presidential candidates include Director-General, Deputy Director-General (North), campaign spokesman, deputy spokesman, Head of New Media, Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director, among others.
The party said the decision was aimed at ensuring inclusiveness and cohesion within the campaign structure.
It explained that a comprehensive organogram for the campaign had been developed since August and made available to Obi and Kwankwaso for their input, while nominations had also been received from other stakeholders across the country.
The NDC said the PCC would be announced and inaugurated once the inputs from the presidential and vice-presidential candidates had been received.
The party also said it had proposed a campaign timetable since August and was working to conclude arrangements for campaign funding and fundraising, which would be spearheaded by the candidates.
It said funds raised would be paid into the presidential campaign account and managed by officers nominated by the presidential and vice-presidential candidates alongside the National Treasurer.
The NDC said the financial arrangement was designed to ensure transparency and accountability, noting that the party would be required to render accounts to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in accordance with the Electoral Act.
The party disclosed that the inauguration of the PCC, originally scheduled for the first week of September, was postponed because of Obi’s travel schedule.
Meanwhile, the NDC urged its candidates and their supporters across the country to avoid internal conflicts and concentrate on the forthcoming elections.
“There are no battles to fight within the NDC,” the party said, urging its members to focus on defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party said it was committed to helping its candidates win elections at all levels and urged candidates and their supporters to reciprocate by concentrating on their campaigns.
The NDC also directed its state and local government area chairmen to immediately begin consultations with candidates and other stakeholders on the selection of party agents for the general elections.
It said two categories of agents should be compiled—one for National Assembly elections and another for governorship and state assembly elections.
The lists, according to the party, would be scrutinised and ratified by the party leadership, including Obi and Kwankwaso, before training of the agents begins.
The NDC directed that the exercise be completed and the final lists submitted within two weeks.
The committee responsible for the appointment of party agents is chaired by the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Babatunde Alli, with Vin Martin Ilo as secretary. Yunusa Tanko, Nafiu Dankura and the National Vice Chairmen representing the six geopolitical zones are members of the committee.