The Nigeria Democratic Congress says it is finalising plans to inaugurate its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election, noting that its flag bearer, Peter Obi, delayed the initially scheduled unveiling.

“We also appeal to all our candidates at all levels to restrain their supporters and support groups to focus on the need to win elections. There are no battles to fight within the NDC. The common opponent to defeat is the ruling APC. We are committed as a party. The party has done its own and is ready to do more.

“The candidates and their supporters are encouraged to do the same. Our candidates should keep their eyes on the ball and focus on winning. The NDC wants all our candidates at all levels to win resoundingly, especially as they are not running as independent candidates,” the party said in a statement on Sunday.

The NDC disclosed that Mr Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, already held several meetings with party stakeholders to constitute the council.

Following consultations, the party revealed that nominations for the top seats on the PCC, including director-general of the campaign and deputy director-general (North), have been reserved for Messrs Obi and Kwankwaso.

Other positions they would be allowed to nominate include spokesman of the campaign, deputy spokesperson, head of new media, the finance director, and deputy finance director.

“That our presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, shall nominate the director-general of the campaign, deputy director-general (North), the spokesman for the campaign, deputy spokesperson, head of new media, the finance director, deputy finance director and several others in consultation with the party. The party leadership has given a free hand to the presidential candidate and his running mate to make nominations,” the party said.

The NDC said the finance director and deputy would work with the national treasurer to manage the party’s finances in accordance with the Electoral Act. The party also said it provided Messrs Obi and Kwankwaso with the proposed campaign structure for their consideration.

“The party wishes to assure the public that as soon as we receive the inputs of our Presidential Candidate and his Vice, the NDC shall proceed to announce and inaugurate the same. We have also proposed a campaign timetable since August, and we are waiting to conclude arrangements for the funding and fundraising for the campaign, to be spearheaded by the candidates.

“The money raised shall be paid into the presidential campaign account to be managed by officers nominated by the presidential candidate and his running mate, as well as the party national treasurer. The inauguration of the PCC was earlier scheduled for the first week of September but had to be put off due to the travel schedule of the presidential candidate,” said NDC.