•Candidates to receive Certificates of Return
ABUJA — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has explained that consultations with its presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, respectively, are central to the constitution of its Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), insisting that the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections are progressing according to plan and would concretize in another fortnight.
This explanation was given by the party’s National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, at a press conference, Saturday, at the NDC National Secretariat in Abuja. Sen. Cleopas said the PCC organogram and campaign timetable had been ready since the end of August, but that the inauguration of the council was awaiting the conclusion of the presidential candidate’s vetting and shortlisting of nominees for key campaign positions.
Against this background, he said, the NDC has fixed October 20, 2026, for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council, presentation of Certificates of Return to its candidates for the 2027 general elections and a strategic dinner involving candidates contesting various elective positions across the country.
The NDC National Chairman who was addressing journalists on the outcome of deliberations by the National Working Committee (NWC) explained that the October 20th activities would follow a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) scheduled for the same date, during which key decisions concerning the party’s preparations for the elections are expected to be considered and ratified.
Cleopas’ clarification comes amid questions about the seeming delay in the inauguration of the party’s presidential campaign structure and speculation about possible disagreements within the party. He maintained that the delay was neither an indication of inactivity nor evidence of internal division, but part of a deliberate process to ensure that the campaign leadership is properly constituted, and that the best men and women for the job are chosen.
According to the NDC Chairman, the ongoing consultations are intended to ensure that appointments reflect national spread, competence, capacity, and the ability of nominees to contribute meaningfully to the campaign.
Obi, Kwankwaso to nominate key campaign officers
The NDC disclosed that Obi and Kwankwaso are expected to make recommendations for several strategic positions in the Presidential Campaign Council, including Director-General, Deputy Director-General, campaign spokesperson, Director of Social Media and Financial Controller.
The presidential and vice-presidential candidates are also expected to nominate two additional officers who, alongside the party’s National Treasurer, will be responsible for managing the campaign council’s separate and dedicated bank account
Sen. Cleopas said the arrangement reflected the importance of involving the candidates in decisions that would directly affect the organisation, financing, and direction of their campaign.
He maintained that the party leadership, the presidential candidate, his running mate, and the National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, were united on the process and the broader preparations for the 2027 elections.
The chairman said the NDC would announce the campaign council once the national leadership received the candidates’ nominations and recommendations.
He explained that establishing the campaign council without the active participation of the presidential candidate and his running mate would be inappropriate, given that they would be at the centre of the presidential contest.
According to him, the candidates must also provide direction on campaign funding arrangements to ensure that the council operates within an agreed framework.
