The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is set to officially launch its presidential campaign, with the power to appoint key personnel for the campaign council now largely in the hands of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. This move comes after extensive consultations between the candidates, National Leader Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and other party stalwarts, signalling a unified front as the party prepares to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
A comprehensive organogram for the campaign structure was already put together in August and shared with both Obi and Kwankwaso for their review and input. The party statement, signed by National Publicity Secretary Osa Director Esq, highlighted that nominations from stakeholders across the country have also been considered. Giving Obi and Kwankwaso the freedom to nominate officials like the Director-General, Deputy Director-General (North), campaign spokesman and their deputy, Head of New Media, and key finance roles, including Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director, is a deliberate strategy.
These nominated finance officers will work closely with the National Treasurer of the party to manage the campaign's finances. This arrangement is intended to ensure the party meets the transparency requirements and reporting obligations mandated by the Electoral Act. Specifically, all funds raised will be channelled into a dedicated presidential campaign account. This account will be under the watchful eyes of officers nominated directly by the Presidential Candidate, his running mate, and the National Treasurer, ensuring accountability in how campaign money is handled.
While a campaign timetable has been drafted, its finalisation and the subsequent inauguration, initially planned for the first week of September, were postponed due to Peter Obi's travel schedule. The NDC expects to announce and inaugurate the full council once the candidates submit their remaining nominations. The party also used the announcement to stress the importance of internal unity, urging all NDC candidates and their support groups to set aside any intra-party disputes and concentrate their efforts on defeating the APC.
"There are no battles to fight within the NDC. The common opponent to defeat is the ruling APC," the statement declared. "Our candidates should keep their eyes on the ball and focus on winning." The party stressed that candidates at all levels are part of a collective effort and should work towards a unified victory, not as independent contestants.
In a separate directive, the NDC has instructed all state and local government chairmen to organise meetings with candidates and stakeholders within the next two weeks. The goal is to produce two distinct lists of PARTY AGENTS: one for the National Assembly elections and another for the governorship and state assembly elections. These lists will undergo thorough scrutiny and ratification by the party leadership, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, before any agent training commences.
Leading the crucial task of appointing party agents is the committee chaired by Deputy National Chairman (South) Comrade Babatunde Alli. Vin Martin Ilo will serve as the secretary, with key members including Dr Yunusa Tanko, who also leads the Obidients Movement, and Nafiu Dankura, representing the Kwankwasiyya Movement. The six zonal National Vice Chairmen are also part of this committee, tasked with overseeing the meticulous appointment of agents across the nation.