The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is preparing to inaugurate its Presidential Campaign Council, with presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, authorised to nominate several key officers.

According to Channels Television, the party said the arrangement followed meetings involving Obi, Kwankwaso, National Leader Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and other party leaders.

The positions to be filled include Director-General, Deputy Director-General (North), campaign spokesman and deputy, Head of New Media, Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director, among others.

The NDC said a proposed campaign structure was drawn up in August and submitted to Obi and Kwankwaso for their input. Contributions and nominations were also received from party stakeholders across the country.

Obi, Kwankwaso to oversee key appointments

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said Obi and Kwankwaso had been given a free hand to make the nominations.

The NDC also said its financial operations would be jointly managed by the designated Finance Director and deputy, working alongside the party’s National Treasurer.

Campaign proceeds are expected to be paid into a dedicated presidential campaign account, with oversight involving officers nominated by Obi, Kwankwaso and the National Treasurer.

The party said the arrangement was designed to promote transparency in campaign finances and ensure compliance with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s reporting requirements under the Electoral Act.

Campaign council inauguration delayed

The NDC said its campaign timetable had already been proposed, but implementation would depend on the completion of funding and fundraising arrangements to be led by Obi and Kwankwaso.

The inauguration, originally planned for the first week of September, was postponed because of Obi’s travel schedule.

According to the party, a new inauguration date and the membership of the council will be announced after Obi and Kwankwaso submit their outstanding inputs.

The development comes after the Court of Appeal recently upheld the NDC’s registration as a political party in a split decision, setting aside a Federal High Court ruling that had ordered its deregistration.

NDC prepares nationwide election agents

The party is also preparing to deploy agents across the country ahead of the 2027 elections.

State and local government chairmen have been directed to meet candidates and other stakeholders within two weeks and compile separate lists of agents for the National Assembly elections and the governorship and State Assembly polls.

The lists will be scrutinised and ratified by the party leadership, including Obi and Kwankwaso, before the selected agents undergo training.

A committee headed by Deputy National Chairman (South), Babatunde Alli, will oversee the process, with Vin Martin Ilo serving as secretary. Its members also include Yunusa Tanko of the Obidients Movement, Nafiu Dankura of the Kwankwasiya Movement and the party’s six zonal National Vice Chairmen.

The NDC has also urged its candidates and support groups to avoid internal disputes and work towards the party’s collective electoral objectives.