NDC names Dickson chairman, Obi co-chairman of 2027 campaign council

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has named Senator Henry Dickson chairman and presidential candidate Peter Obi co-chairman of its National Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, the party announced on Sunday.

The party's National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Zuwoghe, becomes vice-chairman, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, listed as its vice-presidential candidate, takes the co-vice-chairman role.

The NDC published the appointments in a statement on its X account. It said the council would coordinate campaign activities nationwide and mobilise support for its vision of a "new, just, and prosperous Nigeria".

Leadership of the secretariat is the subject of conflicting entries. The party's accompanying text names Ibrahim Abdulkarim as council secretary and Director-General, while the published list gives the secretary's post to National Secretary Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu.

The party said the council would provide strategic leadership and drive a "people-centred and issue-based campaign" ahead of the polls. It then urged members, supporters and Nigerians to remain united and focused.

"A new and working Nigeria is possible," the party added.

Mr Babachir Lawal chairs the Campaign Advisory Council, with Mr Zuwoghe as co-chairman and Dr Sam Egwu as vice-chairman. Dr Danladi Abdulhameed Tambari sits as assistant secretary of that body.

Alhaji Sidi Bomi Abdul and Mr Babatunde Alli serve as deputy national chairmen for the North and the South respectively. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege is a member, as is Senator Victor Umeh, who represents the party's Senate caucus.

State representatives on the caucus include Professor Pat Utomi for Delta, Senator Ben Birabi for Rivers and Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo for Enugu. Chief Achike Udenwa speaks for Imo, Senator Roland Owie for Edo, Senator Akinyede Sola for Ekiti and Hon. Tunji Soyinka for Lagos.

Mr Abdulkarim heads the campaign directorates as Director-General. His deputies are Ebubedike VinMartin Obiora Ilo for administration, Alhaji Tijjani Iya for the North and Chief Fred Owotorufa for the South.

Mrs Ndidi Mbagwu directs finance, with the party's National Treasurer, Dr Peter Onigah, as co-director. Hon. Oseloka Obaze directs logistics and operations.

Dr Constance Ikokwu is campaign spokesperson, assisted by deputies Sonny Neme and Sam Omale. Six regional spokespersons cover the geopolitical zones, among them Anulka Rita Modebe for the North Central and Amb. Makinde Akinlade for the South West.

Major General John Enenche (rtd) directs security and intelligence. Dr Danlami Arabs Rukujei oversees election monitoring and vote protection, while Barrister Reuben Egwuaba leads legal affairs.

Further directorates cover the diaspora under Mr Daniel Elombah, youth mobilisation under Comrade Adamu Abbas Ahman and women's mobilisation under Mrs Dudu Manuga. Dr Pillar Josemaria directs medical services, and Abdullahi Akilo Jugunnu leads work on persons with disability.

State coordinators range from Senator Nkechi Nwogu in Abia to Ibrahim Tukur Gusau in Zamfara. Mr Ifeanyi Ibezim leads in Anambra, Mr Ife Salako in Lagos, Mr Zubi Nwuke in Rivers and Dr Stephen Knabayi in the Federal Capital Territory.

The list leaves the Nasarawa and Niger coordinator entries and the head of situation room management without names. It gives no campaign timetable.