The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has handed its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the authority to select key officials of its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 elections.
The party said the arrangement would allow the two candidates to nominate the Director-General, Deputy Director-General (North), campaign spokesman and deputy spokesman, Head of New Media, Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director, among other members of the campaign council.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday following consultations between Obi, Kwankwaso, the party’s National Leader and other members of the leadership.
Director said the decision was aimed at ensuring inclusiveness and cohesion in the campaign structure.
He explained that the proposed organogram for the council had been prepared since August and submitted to Obi and Kwankwaso for consideration, while nominations had also been received from party stakeholders across the country.
“The party leadership has given a free hand to the presidential candidate and his running mate to make nominations,” he said.
According to him, the party would unveil and inaugurate the campaign council once the presidential candidate and his running mate had submitted their inputs.
The inauguration was initially scheduled for the first week of September but was postponed due to Obi’s travel schedule.
Director also disclosed that the party had prepared a proposed campaign timetable since August, but its implementation was awaiting the conclusion of funding and fundraising arrangements to be led by the presidential candidate and his running mate.
On the management of campaign funds, he said all money raised would be paid into the presidential campaign account and jointly administered by officials nominated by Obi and Kwankwaso alongside the party’s National Treasurer.
He said the Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director would work with the National Treasurer to guarantee transparency and accountability in the handling of the funds.
The spokesman added that the party was required under the Electoral Act to render accounts of its campaign finances to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Director also appealed to NDC candidates to rein in their supporters and support groups, warning against internal distractions as the party prepares for the elections.
“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.
He urged the party’s candidates at all levels to maintain their focus on the 2027 elections, stressing that they were contesting under the NDC platform.
“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,” he said.
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