The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says its Presidential Campaign Council is nearing inauguration, with Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso set to play a central role in selecting its principal officers.
The party said its leadership had authorised Obi, its presidential candidate, and Kwankwaso, his running mate, 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.
The NDC said the arrangement followed several meetings between Obi, Kwankwaso, National Leader Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and other party leaders.
It said the proposed campaign structure was drawn up in August, when a full organogram was prepared and forwarded to the presidential candidate and his running mate for their input. Contributions and nominations were also received from party stakeholders across the country.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said in a statement that the candidates had been given a free hand to make the nominations.
According to the NDC, the financial component of the campaign will be jointly managed by the designated Finance Director and deputy, working alongside the party’s National Treasurer.
Campaign proceeds will be paid into a dedicated presidential campaign account, with oversight by officers nominated by Obi, Kwankwaso and the National Treasurer.
The party said the arrangement is intended to ensure transparency in the handling of campaign funds and compliance with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s reporting requirements under the Electoral Act.
While a campaign timetable has already been proposed, the NDC said its implementation is tied to 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 because of Obi’s travel schedule.
The party said the new date and membership of the council would be announced after the two candidates provide their outstanding inputs.
The NDC also addressed concerns over internal disagreements, urging its candidates and support groups to avoid disputes and concentrate on the party’s broader electoral objective.
“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 under its platform at all levels are not independent candidates and should consequently work towards a collective victory.
Meanwhile, preparations are also 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 the National Assembly elections and for the governorship and State Assembly polls.
Party leadership, including Obi and Kwankwaso, will scrutinise and ratify the lists before the selected agents undergo training.
The appointment process will be overseen by a committee headed by Deputy National Chairman (South), Comrade Babatunde Alli, with Vin Martin Ilo as secretary.
The committee also includes Dr Yunusa Tanko, Director of the Obidients Movement, Nafiu Dankura of the Kwankwasiya Movement and the party’s six zonal National Vice Chairmen.
The post NDC Moves To Inaugurate Campaign Council, Gives Obi, Kwankwaso Nomination Powers appeared first on Channels Television.