Introduction

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has granted its presidential standard-bearer Peter Obi and running mate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso unrestricted authority to appoint the leadership of the party campaign council ahead of the 2027 general election. The move resolves weeks of internal disagreement and signals a unified push toward the ballot box.

What Happened

In a statement released Tuesday the NDC National Publicity Secretary confirmed that Obi and Kwankwaso had been granted a free hand to nominate key principal officers including the Director-General Deputy Director-General North spokesman deputy spokesman Head of New Media Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director. The party had developed a comprehensive organogram since August and invited inputs from the presidential candidates which were subsequently incorporated. This followed the NDC public disassociation from a 59-member campaign council recently announced by the Obi Kwankwaso OK Movement which the party said was not authorised. The directive also requires state and local government chairmen to compile and harmonise lists of party agents for the 2027 election two sets one for National Assembly contests and another for governorship and state assembly races. These lists will be reviewed and ratified by party leadership including Obi and Kwankwaso within a two-week window.

Why This Matters

The NDC decision centralises campaign authority with its presidential ticket while emphasizing transparency and party unity. By requiring all campaign funds to flow through a dedicated account managed by the candidates nominees alongside the National Treasurer the party aims to meet INEC reporting requirements under the Electoral Act. The move also seeks to prevent parallel party structures from undermining the official campaign machinery. With the campaign officially slated to launch in October the NDC is directing its candidates and supporters to keep focus on the electoral contest against the ruling APC urging all internal disputes to be channeled through established party mechanisms rather than public confrontation.

Key Takeaways

  • Obi and Kwankwaso have been given full authority to nominate the PCC top leadership roles.
  • The party disowned the OK Movement 59-member council stressing only the NDC leadership can constitute the official campaign structure.
  • State and LGA executives must submit agent lists for National Assembly and state level elections within two weeks.
  • All campaign funds will be deposited into a central account managed by the candidates nominees and the National Treasurer.
  • The PCC inauguration previously set for September has been postponed to October to accommodate the candidates travel schedules.

Conclusion

The NDC latest directive marks a decisive step toward a streamlined transparent campaign operation for the 2027 election. By placing the campaign core leadership in the hands of its presidential candidates while maintaining party oversight the organization aims to present a united front against its primary opponent. Observers will be watching how the nominated officials are confirmed and how the October campaign launch unfolds.