News Investigators/ The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has inaugurated its National Presidential Campaign Council and unveiled its national secretariat in Abuja as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, announced the plan to tackle corruption, insecurity, unemployment and poverty, promising emergency interventions in critical sectors if elected president.
Mr Obi made the pledge at a dinner in Abuja, where the party also presented certificates of return to its candidates contesting various elective positions.
He is contesting the presidency alongside his running mate, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, under the NDC platform.
Mr Obi said his proposed administration would prioritise accountability in public spending, arguing that government must focus on addressing citizens’ problems rather than blaming previous administrations.
“The purpose of governance is to solve problems, not to blame people. Kwankwaso and I will not blame anybody. We will create that new Nigeria that is possible,” he said.
He promised to make the fight against corruption central to his administration, insisting that public resources must be deployed for the benefit of Nigerians.
Mr Obi questioned the implementation of the 2023, 2024 and 2025 budgets, alleging that capital expenditure remained below 20 per cent and that contractors faced payment difficulties.
He challenged the Federal Government to account for revenue generated, loans obtained and projects executed under the current administration.
On security, Mr Obi promised a responsive approach to kidnapping and violent attacks, saying the president must demonstrate leadership by visiting communities affected by emergencies.
He also pledged to declare an emergency in agriculture, particularly in northern Nigeria, where insecurity has disrupted farming and reduced productive activities.
According to him, restoring security would enable farmers to return to their farms, increase food production, create jobs and support industries that depend on locally sourced raw materials.
Mr Obi identified education, healthcare and electricity as other priority areas, promising measurable interventions to improve access to essential public services.
He urged political actors to avoid intimidating supporters and called for free, fair and credible elections in 2027.
“The revolution that is coming is a revolution of the ballot,” he said, urging Nigerians to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Earlier, NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, described the inauguration of the campaign council and presentation of certificates of return as important steps in the party’s preparations for the elections.
Mr Cleopas said the party expected its candidates to remain accountable to the electorate, warning that securing nominations should be treated as a responsibility rather than an entitlement.
He challenged candidates to deliver on their campaign promises, saying the party would not support a culture of unfulfilled commitments.
The unveiling of the national secretariat at 393 Etang Obuli Crescent, Jabi, Abuja, followed the party’s Third National Executive Committee meeting.
NDC National Leader, Sen. Seriake Dickson, described the new facility as the party’s “Noah’s Ark”, presenting it as a unifying centre for its activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The events brought together party leaders, candidates and supporters, including Sen. Victor Umeh (NDC Anambra), Rivers governorship candidate Dumo Lulu-Briggs and Adamawa governorship candidate Sen. Aisha Binani.
The party said the new secretariat would support its administrative operations, strategic planning and nationwide campaign coordination ahead of the general elections.
Meanwhile, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Osa Director, said in a post on his X handle that NDC National Leader, Sen. Seriake Dickson, would serve as Chairman of the National Campaign Council.
The party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, would serve as Co-Chairman, while the National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas, would be Vice-Chairman.
The vice-presidential candidate, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, would serve as Co-Vice-Chairman, while former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the National Campaign Advisory Council, Mr Babachir Lawal, would serve as a member.
NAN