The Nigeria Democratic Congress has announced plans to inaugurate its presidential campaign council on 20 October ahead of the 2027 general election.
The council will support the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, 10 October, the party’s national chairman said the inauguration would take place during a proposed National Executive Committee meeting, according to TheCable.
The programme is also expected to include the presentation of party certificates of return to candidates and a dinner aimed at strengthening cooperation among them. These are planned activities, rather than events that have already taken place. (thecable.ng
Consultations continue over appointments
The party says it has prepared the campaign council’s structure but is still consulting Obi and Kwankwaso over the people who will fill key positions.
National chairman Senator Moses Cleopas said the leadership wanted to examine prospective appointees carefully, warning that officials with divided political loyalties could undermine the campaign.
According to The Guardian, he spoke after a two-day meeting of the National Working Committee.
Cleopas said responsibility for forming the council rested with the party leadership, but the presidential candidate and his running mate had to be involved in the process. (guardian.ng)
Candidates had earlier received nomination powers
The announcement follows an earlier party statement giving Obi and Kwankwaso a role in choosing senior campaign officials.
On 22 September, Channels Television reported that NDC publicity secretary Osa Director said the candidates could nominate people for positions including director-general, campaign spokesman, head of new media, and finance director.
The party said its proposed structure had been prepared in August and sent to the candidates for their input.
It also said an inauguration initially planned for the first week of September had been postponed because of Obi’s travel schedule. The latest announcement provides a new planned date, while consultations over appointments continue. (channelstv.com)
Party leadership rejects claims of division.
Cleopas also dismissed suggestions that the NDC had been inactive or that its leadership was divided over the presidential ticket.
PUNCH reported that he said national leader Seriake Dickson, the National Working Committee, and other party structures remained committed to Obi and Kwankwaso.
He cited recent engagements in Sokoto and Kaduna, with another visit planned for Enugu on 15 October.
The chairman’s assurances represent the party leadership’s position. They do not, by themselves, establish that every internal disagreement has been resolved. (punchng.com)
