The Nigeria Democratic Congress has given its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the authority to nominate key officials of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said the positions to be nominated by the two candidates include Director-General, Deputy Director-General for the North, campaign spokesman and deputy spokesman, Head of New Media, Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director, among others.

The development was contained in a statement issued by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, following consultations between Obi, Kwankwaso, National Leader Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and other party leaders.

Director said the arrangement was intended to promote inclusiveness and cohesion in the campaign structure.

According to him, the party prepared a comprehensive organogram for the campaign council in August and forwarded it to Obi and Kwankwaso for their input. Nominations had also been received from stakeholders across the country.

“The party leadership has given a free hand to the presidential candidate and his running mate to make nominations,” Director said.

The NDC said the Presidential Campaign Council would be announced and inaugurated after the party receives the candidates’ inputs.

The inauguration had initially been planned for the first week of September but was postponed because of Obi’s travel schedule.

The party also said it had prepared a proposed campaign timetable since August but was awaiting the conclusion of funding and fundraising arrangements to be led by Obi and Kwankwaso.

On campaign finances, Director said money raised would be paid into the presidential campaign account and jointly managed by officials nominated by the two candidates and the party’s National Treasurer.

He explained that the Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director would work with the National Treasurer to ensure transparency and accountability. He added that the party would be required to submit its financial accounts to the Independent National Electoral Commission in accordance with the Electoral Act.

The NDC also appealed to its candidates at all levels to discourage their supporters and support groups from engaging in internal disputes and instead concentrate on the 2027 elections.

“We also appeal to all our candidates at all levels to restrain their supporters and support groups to focus on the need to win elections. There are no battles to fight within the NDC. The common opponent to defeat is the ruling APC.

“We are committed as a party. The party has done its own and is ready to do more. The candidates and their supporters are encouraged to do the same,” he stated.

Director further urged NDC candidates to remain focused on the election, stressing that they were contesting under the platform of the party rather than as independent candidates.

“Our candidates should keep their eyes on the ball and focus on winning.

“The NDC wants all our candidates at all levels to win resoundingly, especially as they are not running as independent candidates,” he said.

The update comes days after the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, a separate support structure associated with the NDC presidential ticket, announced its own 59-member campaign council. The movement's structure does not replace the official NDC Presidential Campaign Council, which the party said would be announced separately.