The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it is finalising consultations to inaugurate its Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) ahead of the general elections.
The party, in a press statement issued on Tuesday, said its Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi and his Vice-Presidential running mate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have held several productive meetings with the National Leader and the leadership of the party on the composition of the council.
According to the statement, the party at the national level has agreed to give Obi and Kwankwaso a free hand to nominate key officers of the campaign.
Those to be nominated by the candidates, in consultation with the party, include the Director-General of the Campaign, Deputy Director-General (North), Spokesman of the Campaign, Deputy Spokesman, Head of New Media, Finance Director, Deputy Finance Director and several others.
It added that a full organogram of the campaign structure has been developed since August and made available to both Obi and Kwankwaso for their inputs, while nominations have also been received from other stakeholders across the country.
The NDC further said the Finance Director and his Deputy, in collaboration with the National Treasurer of the party, shall manage all campaign funds in the spirit of transparency and accountability, as the party is required to render accounts to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in line with the Electoral Act.
“The money raised shall be paid into the presidential campaign account to be managed by officers nominated by the presidential candidate and his running mate, as well as the party national treasurer,” the statement said.
On funding, the party said it has proposed a campaign timetable since August and is waiting to conclude arrangements for funding and fundraising to be spearheaded by the candidates.
The party disclosed that the inauguration of the PCC, earlier scheduled for the first week of September, was put off due to the travel schedule of the presidential candidate, assuring that the council would be announced and inaugurated as soon as inputs from Obi and Kwankwaso are received.
The NDC also appealed to all its candidates at all levels to restrain their supporters and support groups and focus on winning elections.
“There are no battles to fight within the NDC. The common opponent to defeat is the ruling APC. We are committed as a party. The party has done its own and is ready to do more,” the party said.
It urged candidates to “keep their eyes on the ball and focus on winning,” noting that all candidates are not running as independent candidates and must win resoundingly.
