By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it is finalising plans to inaugurate its Presidential Campaign Council, with its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, expected to play key roles in selecting principal officers.
The party said its leadership had authorised Obi and Kwankwaso to nominate candidates for several strategic positions on the council.
The positions include 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 arrangement followed meetings involving Obi, Kwankwaso, National Leader Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and other party leaders.
The party said a proposed campaign structure was prepared in August, with a full organogram forwarded to Obi and Kwankwaso for their input. Contributions and nominations were also received from party stakeholders across the country.
NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director said in a statement that the two candidates had been given the freedom to make the nominations.
The party said the campaign’s financial operations would be jointly managed by the designated Finance Director and deputy, in collaboration with the National Treasurer.
It said campaign proceeds would be paid into a dedicated presidential campaign account, with oversight by officers nominated by Obi, Kwankwaso and the National Treasurer.
The NDC said the arrangement 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.
While a campaign timetable has been proposed, the party said implementation would depend on the completion of funding and fundraising arrangements to be led by Obi and Kwankwaso.
The inauguration of the council, initially scheduled for the first week of September, was postponed due to Obi’s travel schedule.
The party said a new date and the membership of the council would be announced after the two candidates submit their outstanding inputs.
The NDC also addressed concerns about internal disagreements, urging its candidates and support groups to avoid disputes and focus on the party’s electoral objectives.
“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 were not independent candidates and should work towards a collective victory.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the deployment of party agents across the country.
The NDC has directed its state and local government chairmen to meet with candidates and other stakeholders within two weeks and compile separate lists of agents for National Assembly elections and governorship and State Assembly polls.
The party leadership, including Obi and Kwankwaso, will review and ratify the lists before the selected agents undergo training.
The appointment process will be supervised by a committee headed by Deputy National Chairman (South), Babatunde Alli, with Vin Martin Ilo as secretary.
Other members of the committee include Dr Yunusa Tanko, Director of the Obidients Movement; Nafiu Dankura of the Kwankwasiya Movement; and the party’s six zonal National Vice Chairmen.
