NDC Flags Off 2027 Campaign, Warns Against Violence

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has formally commenced preparations for its 2027 general election campaign, directing its presidential and other candidates to begin consultations and engagements with voters across the country.

The party also warned its candidates and supporters against violence, abusive language and inflammatory statements, insisting that its campaign activities must focus on issues affecting Nigerians.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director. The party said the decision was in line with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 elections.

Under the new directive, the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the party’s National Assembly candidates are expected to begin consultations with stakeholders and constituents in their respective areas.

The party also instructed its governorship and State House of Assembly candidates to work with party leaders at the state, local government and ward levels as they develop their campaign programmes.

According to the NDC, the consultations are expected to introduce candidates to voters, allow them to engage communities and communicate the party’s plans ahead of the elections.

The party said its national campaign committees would also be constituted and inaugurated soon to coordinate activities across the country.

It further directed state and local chapters to begin preparing campaign schedules and organising meetings at the grassroots level.

The NDC said the campaign process should include familiarisation visits, sensitisation programmes and consultation meetings with voters and community stakeholders.

The party maintained that its campaign would be based on peaceful political engagement and discussion of issues affecting the country.

It warned candidates and supporters against conduct capable of creating tension during the election season, stressing that violence and abusive language would not be tolerated under its platform.

The party said its candidates should use the campaign period to present their programmes and explain how they intend to address the challenges facing Nigerians rather than engage in personal attacks or inflammatory political exchanges.

The NDC also provided an update on its party logo, explaining that it had engaged INEC over plans to modify the existing symbol.

Director said the proposed modification followed discussions with the electoral commission and that the party had formally informed INEC about the change.

However, he disclosed that some administrative matters were still being resolved before the modified logo could officially replace the existing one.

As a result, the party instructed its candidates and members to continue using the existing logo during campaign activities until the process with INEC is completed.

The existing logo, which features a two-finger victory sign, will therefore remain in use for the time being.

The development marks the beginning of a wider campaign mobilisation by the NDC as political parties intensify their preparations for the 2027 general elections.

With consultations expected to take place across states, local governments and wards, the party is seeking to build stronger connections with voters at the grassroots while promoting its political message ahead of the polls.