NDC to inaugurate campaign council October 20

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has scheduled the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council for October 20 ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring its readiness for a fierce electoral contest against the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, who disclosed this on Saturday, dismissed allegations that the opposition party was inactive or divided, insisting that its structures remained intact and that its presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, enjoyed the full backing of the leadership.

According to him, the inauguration will coincide with a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee, where critical decisions concerning the 2027 elections will be ratified.

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

“In preparation for full campaign takeoff, we have proposed a meeting of the National Executive Committee of the party on October 20.

“It is at that NEC meeting that we will officially inaugurate the NDC Presidential Campaign Council and ratify certain key decisions related to the 2027 General Election.

“We will also be giving our candidates their Certificates of Return and hold a dinner aimed at strengthening cooperation ahead of the elections,” he said

The planned inauguration comes as political parties begin to consolidate structures and position themselves for the 2027 electoral race.

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Cleopas explained that the timing of the inauguration was deliberate, arguing that the party was more concerned about getting its structures right than rushing into full-scale campaigning without adequate preparation.

He said the National Working Committee had held several meetings since August and submitted proposals on the composition of the campaign council to the party leadership for consideration.

The chairman noted that the party was taking particular care in selecting members of the council because of the sensitive nature of the election and the need to ensure that those entrusted with key responsibilities were suitable for their roles.

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

The NDC chairman also rejected claims that the party had gone quiet since unveiling its candidates, maintaining that Obi, Kwankwaso, and other party figures had continued engaging with Nigerians through consultations and town hall meetings across the country.

He cited recent engagements in Sokoto and Kaduna, adding that the party was scheduled to visit Enugu on October 15.

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

Beyond its campaign preparations, Cleopas projected a united front within the party, declaring that the National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, members of the NWC and NEC, and other party structures were aligned in their determination to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, which he described as the most suitable combination to lead the country.