jasdooit

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced October 20, 2026, for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections, insisting it is ready to contest all elective positions across the country.

The party’s National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuweghe, disclosed this at a press briefing on Saturday, where he also announced plans for a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to ratify key decisions ahead of the polls and present Certificates of Return to the party’s candidates.

Zuweghe dismissed suggestions that the NDC was unprepared for the elections, maintaining that the party had put forward candidates for the presidential, senatorial, House of Representatives, governorship and state House of Assembly contests.

He said the party was determined to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, arguing that the elections presented Nigerians with an opportunity to change the country’s political direction.

In a statement outlining the party’s position, the NDC chairman said, “In the 2027 elections, the NDC is into the 2027 general election to ensure that Nigeria and indeed Nigerians are salvaged from the reckless and inhumane situation the APC administration has brought. To this end, the Party is determined to fairly contest and has fielded candidates for all positions – the Presidential, Senate, House of Representatives, Governorship, and State House of Assembly. Our commitment to the elections is sacrosanct. Our resolve is absolute.

“The propaganda of our Party not being committed to the elections is definitely a sign of fear in the camp of the APC, whom Nigerians have demonstrated their dislike for, even before the very active and formal campaign commences. In preparation for full campaign takeoff, we shall be holding a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party on the 20th day of October, 2026, to ratify certain key decisions related to the 2027 General Election.

“Our commitment to the elections is sacrosanct. Our resolve is absolute,” he declared.

Zuweghe described the 2027 general elections as a defining moment for the country, saying the exercise would offer voters an opportunity to decide the nation’s political future.

“The 2027 General Election is an opportunity for freedom for Nigeria and Nigerians,” he said.

The NDC chairman also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant authorities to ensure a credible electoral process, stressing that every valid vote must be protected and accurately recorded.

He warned against actions capable of compromising the integrity of the polls, declaring: “ALLOW VOTES TO COUNT OR BE COUNTED.”

As part of its preparations, Zuweghe said the party was identifying committed members to serve as polling and collation agents. He added that the NDC would operate within the provisions of the law while taking steps to protect its votes before, during and after the elections.

However, the party chairman adopted a combative tone towards the ruling APC, warning that the NDC would not remain passive if it believed the electoral process was being undermined.

“We shall match the APC fire-for-fire before, during and after the election until May 29, 2027,” he said.

On the announcement of election results, Zuweghe maintained that the outcome of the polls should be declared by the appropriate electoral officials at polling and collation centres, rather than being determined through judicial intervention.

While acknowledging the roles of the judiciary and INEC in the electoral process, he said the party expected election results to reflect the figures recorded and collated by authorised officials.

“While we continue to hold the Judiciary and INEC in high esteem, we have resolved that our victory must be announced by presiding officers, not Judges or those who cannot do simple arithmetic of addition and subtraction,” he said.

He further urged security and intelligence agencies to maintain political neutrality throughout the election period, emphasising the need for an environment in which political parties could compete without undue interference.

The NDC chairman also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place the country’s stability and national interest above personal political ambition as the 2027 elections approach.

Citing former President Goodluck Jonathan as an example of leadership, Zuweghe argued that prioritising national stability should not be mistaken for weakness.

“Former President Goodluck Jonathan is a celebrated example of a statesman, not a weak leader,” he said.

Beyond its preparations for the elections, the NDC chairman acknowledged the growing support it was receiving from Nigerians, particularly young people who had established groups to mobilise backing for the party and its candidates.

He said the party leadership would coordinate the activities of the groups to strengthen its political structures and advance its campaign objectives.

“We will continue to provide the coordination needed to ensure that we succeed in our joint objective of making Nigeria work again,” he said.

Zuweghe, however, cautioned supporters against possible infiltration of the party’s support base, alleging that individuals opposed to its political ambitions could establish groups under false pretences to disrupt its activities.

He urged anyone contemplating actions capable of undermining the party’s mobilisation efforts or the country’s constitutional democracy to abandon such plans.

Reaffirming the party’s determination to participate fully in the 2027 elections, Zuweghe said the NDC leadership and its members were committed to pursuing a change of government through the electoral process.

He concluded by restating the party’s political objective, saying, “Finally, ladies and gentlemen, be assured that the National Leader of our party, the leadership and indeed all well-meaning party members are committed to ensuring that the 2027 General Election removes the clueless, wicked and corrupt government of the APC,” he said.

The NDC chairman ended his address with the party’s rallying slogan: “NIGERIA MUST WORK AGAIN.”

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).