2027: NDC names Dickson campaign council chairman, Obi co-chair

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has appointed its National Leader, Seriake Dickson, as chairman of its National Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, with its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, named co-chairman.

The party also appointed its National Chairman, Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, as vice chairman, while its vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, will serve as co-vice chairman.

The NDC National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, was named secretary of the council, while Mallam Ibrahim Abdulkarim was appointed Director-General.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, will chair the National Advisory Council.

Other prominent appointees include former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; former presidential candidate, Pat Utomi; and former National Secretary of the Congress for Progressive Change, Buba Galadima.

The appointments were announced in a statement issued by the party on Sunday night, less than 24 hours before the formal inauguration of the campaign council in Abuja.

The NDC is scheduled to inaugurate the council today and unveil its newly acquired national secretariat in Abuja.

The party will also present certificates of return to its candidates for the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly elections.

The activities form part of the party’s programme for October 26, which includes its third National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the inauguration of the campaign council and a dinner afterwards.

The party said the council would drive a people-centred and issue-based campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.

Activities scheduled for Abuja
The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, announced the schedule of activities in a statement on Sunday.

He said the events would begin with the party’s third NEC meeting at 10 a.m. at the JD Event Centre in Maitama, Abuja, while the commissioning of the new national secretariat in Jabi would take place at 2 p.m.

According to him, the inauguration of the National Campaign Council and presentation of certificates of return to party candidates would commence at 5 p.m., followed by a dinner.

Director, however, emphasised that attendance at the NEC meeting would be restricted to committee members and party candidates.

He said, “Attendance at the NCC inauguration is restricted to members of the National Working Committee, the presidential candidate and his running mate, governorship candidates, and National Assembly candidates only.

“We appreciate the continued support and loyalty of our members across the country. Together, we can make a New Nigeria Possible.”

The activities come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the NDC seeking to strengthen its structures and organise its campaign ahead of the polls.

The party had earlier announced plans to unveil its campaign council and present its statement of account at the NEC meeting, describing the move as part of its commitment to transparency and accountability.

Director said the party’s national treasurer would present the statement of account, adding that its finances had been affected by the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

He also claimed that about 80 per cent of the party’s candidates could not afford Expression of Interest forms because of poverty, hunger and deprivation, prompting the NDC to issue the forms to affected aspirants free of charge.