2027: NDC to inaugurate Obi-Kwankwaso campaign council October 20

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) will inaugurate its presidential campaign council on October 20 as it steps up preparations for the 2027 general elections and reaffirms its support for the Peter Obi–Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket.

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

He said the meeting would also ratify key decisions ahead of the elections, while the party would present Certificates of Return to its candidates and host a dinner to strengthen cooperation among members.

Cleopas dismissed claims that the party had been inactive since unveiling Obi and Kwankwaso as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates, respectively.

He said party leaders had continued consultations and town hall meetings across the country, including recent engagements in Sokoto and Kaduna, with a visit to Enugu scheduled for October 15.

“We have been in Sokoto, we have been in Kaduna, on the 15th, we shall be in Enugu. So it is not to mean that we have not been working,” he said.

The chairman said the party was carefully selecting members of the campaign council to ensure they were suitable for the responsibilities ahead.

“It is better to get it right. It is a sensitive election that we are going into. And we must check characters,” he said.

Cleopas also insisted that the party’s leadership remained united behind Obi and Kwankwaso, dismissing suggestions of divisions within its ranks.

“Our presidential candidate and vice-presidential candidate today have the mandate of the party to lead us into political battle, on a rescue mission for this country,” he said.

He described the ticket as a representation of Nigeria’s religious, ethnic and generational diversity.

The NDC chairman further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of spreading propaganda about the party’s commitment to the elections.

“The propaganda that our party is not committed to the elections is definitely a sign of fear in the camp of the ruling party,” he said.

Cleopas vowed that the NDC would resist any alleged attempts to manipulate the electoral process before, during and after the 2027 polls.

“We shall match the APC fire-for-fire before, during and after the election until May 29, 2027, when, by the grace of God, the NDC Presidential candidate and the other candidates of our great party shall be inaugurated in the country,” he said.