Obi, Kwankwaso speak on crisis in NDC
The camps of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have rejected reports of a disagreement over the planned composition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential campaign council ahead of the 2027 general election.
The denial followed reports that supporters and party leaders linked to the two politicians were competing for key positions in the campaign structure as the party prepares for the start of presidential and National Assembly campaigns on August 19.
According to reports, consultations are still taking place among the party leadership, Obi, Kwankwaso and other stakeholders over the people who will serve in the campaign council. The final list has not yet been released.
Habibu Mohammed, spokesman for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, described the reports of a power struggle as speculation. He said discussions on the campaign structure were still ongoing and that the party would announce the members after the consultations had been completed.
Mohammed also said the process was not unusual, noting that other political parties were yet to announce their campaign councils for the 2027 election.
He explained that several support groups have emerged around the party and that there was a need to coordinate their activities properly.
According to him, the campaign council should be regarded as a platform for people willing to work for the success of the party rather than an avenue for individuals to seek attractive positions.
Ladipo Johnson, the NDC Lagos Central senatorial candidate and a spokesman for Kwankwaso, also questioned the basis for reports of disagreement over the campaign council.
He noted that the list had not been released and therefore members could not know whether they had been included or left out.
Johnson said he had not been consulted personally about the proposed structure but added that candidates contesting various elective positions were expected to campaign for the presidential ticket.
He further noted that the structure and responsibilities of the campaign council would depend on the format eventually adopted by the party.
Mohammed later repeated that there was no internal crisis over the campaign structure.
He said Obi, Kwankwaso, the party leadership and other stakeholders were working together to produce a campaign team capable of taking the party into the 2027 election.
He also explained that the reconciliation committee recently created by the party was not a result of a disagreement between Obi and Kwankwaso’s camps.
Instead, the committee was set up to engage aspirants who lost during the party’s primary elections and encourage them to remain active within the party.
The party is still holding consultations with key stakeholders before releasing the names of members of the presidential campaign team.
The Director-General of the campaign is also expected to be announced once the process is concluded.
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, said people joining the campaign council should be prepared to serve rather than pursue personal interests.
He said the movement’s focus remained on supporting the presidential ticket and ensuring that capable people were given responsibilities based on their ability to contribute.
John Ughulu, Director-General of the OK Movement, said disagreements could arise as political parties moved closer to the campaign season.
However, he said his group would allow the party leadership to decide how the campaign structure would operate and would concentrate on mobilising support for Obi and Kwankwaso.
The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, also dismissed reports that members were fighting over positions in the proposed council. He said the party leadership was consulting with stakeholders to create a broad campaign structure before making an official announcement.
The issue comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission has published the particulars and credentials submitted by presidential candidates and their running mates for the 2027 election.
The publication allows eligible Nigerians to examine the information provided by the candidates ahead of the election. It was made under the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Obi is seeking the presidency on the NDC platform, with Kwankwaso as his running mate. President Bola Tinubu is seeking another term under the All Progressives Congress with Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is contesting under the African Democratic Congress alongside former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
With the August 19 campaign date approaching, the NDC is expected to complete its campaign structure and bring together the different support groups working for its presidential ticket.
The party’s campaign council is expected to play a central role in coordinating its activities across the country during the election period.
