Obi’s overseas trip forces NDC to shift campaign council inauguration

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has postponed the inauguration of its National Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections due to the overseas engagement of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The party announced the change in a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, explaining that Obi’s tight schedule and important engagement abroad necessitated the postponement.

The inauguration was initially scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, alongside a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee, where key decisions concerning the 2027 elections were expected to be ratified.

Director said the new date for the unveiling and inauguration has been fixed for Monday, October 26.

“The shift is occasioned by the very tight schedule of our Presidential Candidate, His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, who has a very important engagement overseas,” the statement said.

The party apologised for any inconvenience caused by the change of date and urged its members and supporters to remain focused on securing victory for Obi and other NDC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

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The postponement comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the NDC seeking to consolidate its structures and counter allegations of internal divisions and inadequate preparation.

Earlier on Saturday,  the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, had announced the planned inauguration, insisting that the opposition party was prepared for the electoral contest and that its leadership remained committed to the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket.

Cleopas had said the October 20 NEC meeting would also provide an opportunity to inaugurate the campaign council, ratify key decisions relating to the elections, present Certificates of Return to the party’s candidates and hold a dinner to strengthen cooperation among them.

He also dismissed claims that the party was inactive or divided, describing such allegations as propaganda by opponents.

According to him, the party’s National Working Committee had held several meetings since August and submitted proposals on the composition of the campaign council for consideration by the leadership.