The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says its Presidential Campaign Council is nearing inauguration, with its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, authorised to nominate candidates for key positions on the council.
The party said its leadership had given Obi and Kwankwaso a free hand to nominate officers for several strategic positions, including Director-General, Deputy Director-General (North), campaign spokesman and deputy, Head of New Media, Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director, among others.
According to the NDC, the decision followed a series of meetings involving Obi, Kwankwaso, National Leader Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and other party leaders.
The party said the proposed campaign structure was drawn up in August, when a full organogram was prepared and forwarded to the presidential candidate and his running mate for their input. It added that contributions and nominations had also been received from party stakeholders across the country.
The NDC’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed this in a statement, saying Obi and Kwankwaso had been given the authority to make the outstanding nominations.
On campaign finances, the party said the designated Finance Director and deputy would jointly manage the financial operations of the campaign in collaboration with the National Treasurer.
It said all campaign proceeds would be paid into a dedicated presidential campaign account, with oversight by officers nominated by Obi, Kwankwaso and the National Treasurer.
The arrangement, the party said, was designed to promote transparency in the management of campaign funds and ensure compliance with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s reporting requirements under the Electoral Act.
Although a campaign timetable has already been proposed, the NDC said its implementation would depend on the completion of funding and fundraising arrangements to be led by Obi and Kwankwaso.
The inauguration of the campaign council, initially scheduled for the first week of September, was postponed due to Obi’s travel schedule.
The party said a new inauguration date, as well as the final membership of the council, would be announced after Obi and Kwankwaso submit their outstanding inputs.
The NDC also addressed concerns about alleged internal disagreements, urging its candidates and support groups to avoid disputes and remain focused on the party’s broader electoral objective.
“There are no battles to fight within the NDC. The common opponent to defeat is the ruling APC,” the statement said. “Our candidates should keep their eyes on the ball and focus on winning.”
The party stressed that candidates contesting elections under its platform at all levels are not independent candidates and should therefore work towards a collective electoral victory.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the deployment of party agents across the country.
The NDC directed its state and local government chairmen to meet with candidates and other stakeholders within two weeks and compile separate lists of agents for the National Assembly elections and the governorship and State Assembly polls.
The party leadership, including Obi and Kwankwaso, will scrutinise and ratify the lists before the selected agents undergo training.
The appointment process will be overseen by a committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Comrade Babatunde Alli, with Vin Martin Ilo as secretary.
The committee also includes Dr Yunusa Tanko, Director of the Obidients Movement; Nafiu Dankura of the Kwankwasiya Movement; and the party’s six zonal National Vice Chairmen.
