2027: NDC to Inaugurate Presidential Council October 20

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has fixed October 20 for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, announced the date on Saturday during a press conference in Abuja, saying the inauguration would take place at a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

Cleopas said the meeting would also provide an opportunity to ratify key decisions concerning the party’s electoral preparations and present Certificates of Return to its candidates.

He explained that the party had developed the structure of the campaign council but was consulting its presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over appointments to key positions.

According to him, the party is taking time to ensure that individuals appointed to the council are suitable for their responsibilities and committed to the party’s objectives.

Positions being considered include Director-General, Deputy Director-General, Director of Finance, Director of Mobilisation and spokesperson.

Cleopas said the party wanted to avoid internal disagreements that could undermine its campaign, describing the 2027 election as a sensitive contest requiring careful planning and coordination.

He also dismissed suggestions that the NDC had been inactive since unveiling its presidential ticket, saying party leaders had continued consultations and town hall meetings across the country.

He cited recent engagements in Sokoto and Kaduna and announced that another meeting was scheduled for Enugu on October 15.

The chairman reaffirmed the party leadership’s support for Obi and Kwankwaso, describing their ticket as representative of Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and generational diversity.

He also said the party had begun preparations to recruit and train polling agents ahead of the elections, with the aim of strengthening its presence at polling units and protecting its votes.

Cleopas urged support groups, including the Obidient Movement and the OK Movement, to work within the party’s established structures, noting that campaign coordination remained the responsibility of recognised party organs.

The NDC said the October 20 meeting would mark a significant step towards the full take-off of its presidential campaign as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.