The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and National Leader of the party, Senator Seriake Dickson, have arrived in Abuja for the party’s National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting ahead of major activities for the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, holding in Maitama, Abuja, is expected to set the tone for the party’s next phase of preparations, including the inauguration of its National Campaign Council and the presentation of Certificates of Return to its candidates.
The gathering has also attracted NDC candidates, national leaders, political figures and supporters from across the country as the party moves to consolidate its structures ahead of the elections.
Dickson and the NDC National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses, were received by enthusiastic supporters on arrival, while Obi and Kwankwaso also received a warm welcome from party members at the venue.
The presence of the three leaders has added significance to the NEC meeting, coming at a time the party is seeking to strengthen its campaign structure and mobilise its candidates and supporters ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, appeared in his familiar all-black outfit, while Kwankwaso arrived in a white babanriga and his traditional red-and-white cap.
The NEC meeting is one of several activities scheduled by the party for Monday, including the commissioning of its newly acquired national secretariat in Abuja and the inauguration of the National Campaign Council.
The party will also present Certificates of Return to its candidates for the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly elections before rounding off the day with a dinner.
NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the activities were designed to advance the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections, describing the NEC meeting as an important part of the process.
According to him, the party will also present its statement of account as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability within its operations.
Director said the National Treasurer would present the party’s financial statement, adding that the NDC had faced financial pressures arising from the economic difficulties in the country.
He further disclosed that about 80 per cent of the party’s candidates were unable to afford Expression of Interest forms, saying the NDC therefore provided the forms free of charge to affected aspirants.
He said the development reflected the party’s response to what he described as the economic hardship facing many Nigerians, while the Monday activities would provide an opportunity to strengthen the party’s structures and formally commence the next phase of its 2027 campaign preparations.
