NDC GIVES OBI AND KWANKWASO AUTHORITY TO SELECT KEY CAMPAIGN OFFICIALS

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has authorised its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to nominate several key officials for the party’s Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party said the arrangement would allow the two candidates to select the Director-General, Deputy Director-General for the North, campaign spokesman and deputy spokesman, Head of New Media, Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director, among other positions, in consultation with the party leadership.

The decision was disclosed by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, following consultations involving Obi, Kwankwaso, the party’s National Leader and other members of the leadership. Director said the move was intended to promote inclusiveness and coordination within the campaign structure. He explained that the party had prepared an organogram for the council since August and submitted it to the presidential and vice-presidential candidates for their contributions, while nominations had also been received from stakeholders across the country.

The NDC said the inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council would take place after Obi and Kwankwaso submit their inputs and the final structure is completed. The inauguration had initially been planned for the first week of September but was postponed because of Obi’s travel schedule. The party also said it had proposed a campaign timetable since August but was still working on funding and fundraising arrangements, which would involve the two candidates as part of preparations for the 2027 election.

On campaign finances, the party said funds raised for the presidential campaign would be paid into a dedicated campaign account and jointly managed by officials nominated by Obi and Kwankwaso alongside the National Treasurer. The Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director would work with the treasurer to oversee the funds and ensure accountability. According to the NDC, the arrangement would also help the party meet its obligation to submit financial records to the Independent National Electoral Commission in accordance with the Electoral Act.

The latest development follows a recent disagreement between the NDC and the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement over a separate 59-member campaign structure announced by the movement. The NDC had earlier said the support group could not constitute a parallel campaign council on behalf of the party without approval from its National Working Committee, while the movement maintained that it was an independent organisation with its own structure. With the party now giving Obi and Kwankwaso a role in selecting principal campaign officers, the NDC said its candidates and supporters should concentrate on preparations for the 2027 elections and avoid internal disputes.