The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has fixed October 20, 2026, for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), the presentation of Certificates of Return to its candidates, and a strategic dinner aimed at strengthening coordination ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party said the planned activities would mark a significant milestone in its preparations for the elections, as consultations continue between its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, over the composition of the campaign leadership.
National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, disclosed this on Saturday during a press conference at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. He explained that the structure and timetable for the campaign council had been ready since the end of August, but its inauguration was awaiting the conclusion of consultations with the party’s presidential candidates.
According to Cleopas, the October 20 activities would follow a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), where key decisions concerning its preparations for the 2027 general elections are expected to be considered and ratified.
He maintained that the delay in inaugurating the campaign council should not be interpreted as a sign of inactivity or internal division, stressing that the party was taking deliberate steps to ensure that the leadership structure reflected competence, capacity and national representation.
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“The organogram and timetable have been ready since the end of August. We are only waiting for the candidates to conclude their consultations and submit their nominees for the various positions,” he said.
Obi, Kwankwaso to Recommend Key Campaign Officials
Cleopas disclosed that Obi and Kwankwaso were expected to recommend individuals for strategic positions within the proposed campaign council, including Director-General, Deputy Director-General, campaign spokesperson, Director of Social Media and Financial Controller.
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The presidential candidate and his running mate are also expected to nominate two additional officers who, alongside the party’s National Treasurer, would oversee the campaign council’s separate bank account.
The chairman explained that involving both candidates in the appointment process and financial arrangements was necessary to ensure that the campaign structure enjoyed their confidence and operated within an agreed framework.
He added that the party’s national leadership remained united with its National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, on the process and its broader preparations for the elections.
Cleopas said the campaign council would be formally announced after the party received the candidates’ recommendations, noting that the consultation process was intended to prevent avoidable disagreements over appointments, responsibilities and the management of campaign activities.
NDC Chairman Dismisses Allegations Against Dickson
The NDC chairman also dismissed suggestions that Dickson was working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine the party’s presidential ticket.
Questioning the logic of the allegation, Cleopas argued that Dickson’s involvement in establishing and registering the NDC demonstrated a commitment to the party’s political objectives.
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“Why would Dickson go the tortuous and more expensive route of setting up and registering a party when it would have been easier and more financially beneficial to simply join the APC?” he asked.
He urged journalists to exercise caution when reporting allegations and political speculation, warning against narratives that could create unnecessary controversy within the party.
NDC Plans Nationwide Election Agent Training
Beyond the inauguration of its presidential campaign council, the party said it was developing a comprehensive plan to recruit, train and deploy election agents across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Cleopas explained that candidates contesting state and national elections would nominate agents to represent them throughout the electoral process, with separate lists to be prepared for state and national contests.
The national lists would cover the presidential, senatorial and House of Representatives elections, while candidates would participate in preparing agents for their respective contests.
According to him, the planned training would equip election agents with the knowledge and skills required to monitor voting, observe electoral procedures, report irregularities and protect the interests of their candidates.
He said the party was drawing lessons from the challenges encountered by Obi and the Labour Party during the 2023 presidential election, adding that the NDC was determined to improve its ability to safeguard votes in the next general elections.
“We are making arrangements to ensure that the mistakes of 2023 are not repeated in 2027,” he said.
The chairman stressed that the presidential campaign could not operate in isolation from the activities of governorship and legislative candidates, noting that effective coordination across all levels would be essential to the party’s electoral performance.
Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya and Other Support Groups
Cleopas acknowledged the importance of support groups, including the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya and OK Movement, in mobilizing voters, expanding the party’s reach and protecting its votes.
However, he cautioned that such groups should not assume responsibilities reserved for the party’s official structures.
He cited the establishment of a presidential campaign committee before the NDC had concluded its own consultations as an example of the need for clearer coordination between the party and its support organizations.
“We are very lucky and happy to have the likes of Obidients, Kwankwasiyya, OK Movement and several other groups in our fold. They play a very critical role in mobilizing support and votes, and in defending those votes,” he said.
“But there are functions reserved for the party. You cannot set up a presidential campaign committee when the party is still consulting and compiling its list.”
The chairman said the NDC intended to incorporate genuine members of the support groups into its campaign structure, recognizing their expertise, grassroots networks and capacity to mobilize voters.
He nevertheless maintained that disputes, misinformation and disagreements over responsibilities would not be allowed to derail the party’s preparations.
Cleopas also addressed concerns raised by some party members over alleged infiltration of support groups by individuals suspected of advancing the interests of rival political organizations. He attributed some controversies circulating on social media to what he described as sponsored actors, while insisting that the party had no disagreement with genuine supporters of its candidates.
NDC Holds Town Hall Meetings Across States
Responding to suggestions that the party had yet to begin engaging voters, Cleopas disclosed that the NDC had already held town hall meetings in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Sokoto and Kaduna, with Enugu scheduled for the following week.
He said the meetings were part of the party’s efforts to engage communities, strengthen its grassroots presence and communicate its political objectives ahead of the elections.
“Our town hall began in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. I was there with our presidential candidate, the running mate and the Rivers State governorship candidate of the party, Dumont Lulu-Briggs, among several others. We have also had town hall meetings in Sokoto and Kaduna. By next week, we’ll be in Enugu,” he said.
The chairman described the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as one capable of appealing to Nigerians across regional, ethnic and religious lines.
He added that the party was seeking to combine youth participation with the experience of established political leaders to build a sustainable political institution with a nationwide presence.
According to Cleopas, the NDC is fielding candidates for all categories of elective positions, including the presidency, governorships, Senate, House of Representatives and state Houses of Assembly.
NDC Calls for Credible 2027 Elections
On electoral integrity, Cleopas called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political stakeholders to ensure that the outcome of the 2027 general elections reflects the will of the electorate.
He urged electoral authorities to uphold transparency and fairness, warning against any attempt to manipulate results or undermine the democratic process.
“Allow votes to count or be counted,” he declared.
The chairman said the NDC was committed to operating within the law but would take lawful steps to protect its candidates and votes. He also called on security and intelligence agencies to remain neutral and professional throughout the electoral process.
“We are convinced that if it is the votes to win the 2027 general elections, we have them,” he said.
Cleopas expressed confidence that the October 20 activities would strengthen coordination among the party’s candidates, formalize its presidential campaign leadership and advance its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to national renewal, declaring: “Nigeria must work again.”
The planned inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council, presentation of Certificates of Return and strategic dinner are expected to provide an important platform for aligning the party’s candidates, campaign officials and support networks as the political contest ahead of the 2027 general elections gathers momentum.
