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The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has fixed October 20, 2026, for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council, PCC, 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 party explained that consultations with its presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, respectively, are central to the constitution of the PCC, insisting that preparations for the 2027 general elections are progressing according to plan and would concretize in another fortnight.

The explanation was given by the party’s National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, at a press conference on 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 was awaiting conclusion of the presidential candidate’s vetting and shortlisting of nominees for key campaign positions.

According to him, 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.

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.
“The arrangement reflects the importance of involving the candidates in decisions that would directly affect the organisation, financing, and direction of their campaign,” Cleopas said.

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 broader preparations for the 2027 elections.

Cleopas said establishing the campaign council without active participation of Obi and Kwankwaso would be inappropriate, given that they would be at the centre of the presidential contest. He said candidates must also provide direction on campaign funding to ensure council operates within agreed framework.

No Division Within Our Ranks — NDC Chairman

Addressing reports suggesting delay, Cleopas said the delay was neither an indication of inactivity nor evidence of internal division, but part of deliberate process to ensure campaign leadership is properly constituted and best men and women for the job are chosen. He said ongoing consultations are intended to ensure appointments reflect national spread, competence and capacity.

The chairman maintained that the NWC, NEC, National Leader, and party structures at state, local government, and ward levels remained committed to candidates.

He also rejected suggestions that Dickson was working with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to undermine the NDC presidential ticket.
“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?” Cleopas asked.
He commended the judiciary for providing platform through which NDC was registered and acknowledged role of INEC while calling for continued support for electoral umpire.

NDC To Engage, Train Party Agents

Beyond presidential campaign structure, Cleopas disclosed that arrangements for recruiting, training, and deploying election agents were being developed. Candidates contesting state and national elections are expected to nominate agents, submitting two separate lists: one for state elections and another for national elections including presidential, senatorial and House of Representatives contests.

He said party would organise intensive training for nominated agents to monitor voting, observe procedures, report irregularities and protect interests of candidates. He said NDC was drawing lessons from challenges encountered by Peter Obi and Labour Party during 2023 presidential election.

“We are determined to strengthen our organisational capacity ahead of 2027 so that the mistakes of 2023 are not repeated,” he said.

NDC Will Continue To Work With Support Groups

Cleopas said NDC fully appreciates critical role of support groups including Obidients, Kwankwasiyya and OK movement in achieving victory, saying they play vital role in mobilising support and defending votes.

He however frowned at situation whereby some groups began to assume functions reserved for party, such as setting up a presidential campaign committee whilst party was still consulting.
“There was no way the NDC could constitute a presidential campaign committee without involving genuine members of these support groups whose expertise and reach would be very critical in mobilising votes,” he said.

He said some members had raised concerns over infiltration of NDC support groups by individuals allegedly working for ruling party, spreading propaganda and false information aimed at creating confusion and distrust between national leadership, candidates and genuine support groups.

Cleopas insisted there was no misunderstanding between party, its candidates and legitimate support groups, attributing much of controversy on social media to sponsored actors.

Town Hall Meetings Continue, Allow Votes To Count — Cleopas Warns

The NDC chairman dismissed claims that party had not begun engaging voters, disclosing that consultations and town hall meetings have already taken place in Port Harcourt, Sokoto and Kaduna and are still ongoing, with Enugu next week.
“Our town hall began in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. I was there with our presidential candidate, the Running Mate, the Rivers State governorship candidate, Dumont Lulu Briggs, among several others,” he said.
On electoral integrity, Cleopas warned against attempts to manipulate outcome of 2027 elections.
“Allow votes to count or be counted,” he declared, calling on electoral officials and security agencies to remain non-partisan.
He expressed confidence that if it is votes to win 2027 elections, NDC has them, reaffirming commitment to national renewal.
“Nigeria must work again,” he declared.