NDC grants Obi, Kwankwaso power to nominate PCC leaders for 2027 election
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has authorised its presidential candidate Peter Obi and running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso to nominate key members of the party's Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) ahead of the 2027 general election. The nominees include the PCC director-general, deputy director-general (North), spokesperson, deputy spokesperson, head of new media, finance director, deputy finance director and several other roles, to be made in consultation with the party leadership. NDC spokesperson Osa Director announced the decision on Tuesday, stating it aims to ensure inclusiveness, cohesion and victory, and follows several meetings with National Leader Seriake Dickson and party executives. The PCC inauguration, initially set for the first week of September, was postponed due to Obi's travel schedule, with no new date given. The move comes after a row with the OK Movement, which had earlier constituted its own 59-member PCC to support Obi and Kwankwaso, claiming independence from the party's structure. The NDC also resolved that campaign funds will be managed by the finance director and his deputy in collaboration with the national treasurer, ensuring transparency and accountability to INEC under the Electoral Act 2026. Party chairmen at state and LGA levels have been directed to convene meetings to compile and harmonise lists of party agents for national assembly and governorship elections, subject to ratification by the presidential candidate, his running mate and party leadership before training begins. Will this centralised nomination streamline the NDC's campaign and reduce internal friction, or risk alienating grassroots groups like the OK Movement that seek independent mobilisation?