Nigeria's NDC flags off 2027 election campaign, warns against violence

Nigeria's Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially kicked off its campaign season for the 2027 general elections, instructing all its candidates to commence consultations and public engagements nationwide. The party stressed a commitment to peaceful political discourse, warning against violence, hate speech, and inflammatory rhetoric during campaign activities.

In a statement released Friday, NDC's National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, affirmed that the party's campaign would strictly adhere to its core ideology of peaceful engagement. Presidential candidate Peter Obi, vice-presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and all National Assembly candidates have been directed to immediately initiate local consultations with their constituents. Similarly, governorship and State House of Assembly candidates are to coordinate with party stakeholders and the national secretariat to develop their campaign programs.

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All candidates for the presidential, National Assembly, governorship and State Assembly elections are to liaise with the various party stakeholders in their localities as well as the National Secretariat to roll out programmes and activities that would not only sell them as candidates, but also further drive home the message of the NDC as a party of the people and the grassroots.

The NDC plans to inaugurate various campaign committees soon. Director urged candidates to organize itineraries for local campaign events, focusing on activities that not only promote their candidacies but also highlight the NDC's platform as a party of the people. The party also clarified its logo status, noting modifications made in consultation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with some administrative processes still pending for its official replacement.

Director reiterated the NDC's stance that political contests should center on issues impacting Nigerians. "In keeping with the ideology of NDC, the party reiterates that all campaigns must be issue-based and devoid of violence and foul language. The NDC has no room for violence," the statement read. The party emphasized that local chapters, down to the ward level, should organize and draw up plans for their respective campaigns.

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In keeping with the ideology of NDC, the party reiterates that all campaigns must be issue-based and devoid of violence and foul language. The NDC has no room for violence.