NDC Names Dickson Chairman, Obi, Kwankwaso Co-Leaders of 2027 Campaign Council

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has constituted its National Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, naming former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, as chairman, while its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will serve as co-chairman and co-vice chairman, respectively.

The party announced the composition of the council on Sunday in a statement published on its official X handle, outlining its leadership structure and key appointments ahead of the general elections.

The development marks a step in the party’s preparations for the 2027 polls, with the council expected to coordinate its nationwide campaign activities, mobilise supporters and communicate its political agenda to Nigerians.

According to the announcement, Dickson, the NDC national leader, will head the council, while Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, will serve as co-chairman. Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, will occupy the position of co-vice chairman.

Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, the party’s national chairman, was named vice chairman, while Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the national secretary, will serve as council secretary.

Mallam Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim was appointed Director-General of the Presidential Campaign.

Other members named to the campaign structure include former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; Senator Victor Umeh; Buba Galadima; Yakubu Ochefu; Mahmud Jahun; Moshood Salvador; Victor Ogene; Muktar Usman; Sidi Abdul; Babatunde Alli; and Ikenna Enekweizu.

The list also includes Dudu Manuga and other party figures drawn from different political and organisational backgrounds.

In addition to the main campaign council, the NDC announced the constitution of a 40-member National Campaign Advisory Council and the appointment of campaign coordinators for the 37 state-level structures.

The party said the additional bodies would support its campaign leadership and help coordinate political activities across the country as preparations for the elections gather momentum.

The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, was appointed Director of Communication and Media, a position that places him at the centre of the party’s campaign messaging and engagement with the media.

A former defence spokesperson, Major General John Enenche (retd.), was named Director of Security and Intelligence.

The appointment of a dedicated security and intelligence directorate forms part of the party’s organisational arrangements for the campaign, although details of its specific responsibilities were not provided in the announcement.

Explaining the purpose of the council, the party said it would provide strategic leadership, coordinate campaign activities nationwide and mobilise Nigerians behind its political vision.

“The National Campaign Council will provide strategic leadership, coordinate campaign activities across the country, and drive the mobilisation of Nigerians behind the party’s vision of a new, just, and prosperous Nigeria,” the statement said.

The party added that the campaign would be people-centred and issue-based, indicating that its leadership intended to place national concerns and policy issues at the centre of its engagement with voters.

The statement described the appointments as part of efforts to organise the party’s campaign machinery ahead of the 2027 elections.

It also called on party members, supporters and Nigerians sympathetic to its political objectives to remain united and focused as the campaign preparations continue.

“We call on all party members, supporters, and well-meaning Nigerians to remain united and focused as we work together to rescue our country,” the party said.

The NDC’s announcement comes as political parties begin strengthening their structures and organising their campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

For the party, the immediate task will include coordinating its national and state-level organisations, communicating its policy proposals and mobilising supporters around the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket.

The effectiveness of the newly constituted council will depend on how its various directorates and state coordinators work together to translate the party’s campaign plans into sustained engagement with voters across Nigeria.

With the leadership structure now announced, attention is expected to shift to the council’s operational plans, campaign timetable and the policy issues the party intends to place before the electorate.

The 2027 elections are expected to feature contests among candidates and parties seeking to persuade Nigerians through their records, policy proposals and promises on governance, economic development, security and national unity.

As the campaign structures take shape, the NDC will be seeking to present its candidates and programmes to voters while building the organisation needed to participate in the nationwide electoral contest.