The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has authorised its 2027 presidential flagbearers, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, to select the officials for the party’s Presidential Campaign Council.
The decision provides the two leaders with autonomy over the composition of their campaign team, a move intended to streamline the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections. This development follows a period of intense internal debate regarding the party’s organisational structure.
The authorisation comes barely 72 hours after a confrontation between the NDC leadership and members of the OK Movement. The group had raised objections concerning the establishment of the campaign council and the specific process for appointing key personnel.
Resolution of internal party disputes
The face-off between the party leadership and the OK Movement focused on the influence the central NDC hierarchy would hold over the 2027 campaign machinery. The OK Movement had reportedly pushed for a differently structured council, creating a temporary impasse within the party.
By granting Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso the power to pick their own officials, the NDC leadership has effectively de-escalated the tension. This approach ensures that the campaign team will consist of individuals who are directly aligned with the strategic visions of the flagbearers.
The move is also viewed as a strategic effort to consolidate the coalition between the followers of Obi and Kwankwaso, who represent different but complementary political bases. By giving them control over the campaign council, the NDC is attempting to merge these factions into a single, unified front.
The decision was formalised following the recent standoff between the party’s top brass and the OK Movement. While the move resolves the immediate conflict, observers suggest the party must still manage the expectations of other internal stakeholders who may feel sidelined by the concentration of power in the hands of the two flagbearers.
The delegation of power is expected to accelerate the assembly of the Presidential Campaign Council, which is essential for the party’s grassroots mobilisation and national outreach. The party is expected to announce the first batch of appointed campaign officials in the coming weeks as the 2027 election cycle gains momentum.
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