APC, ADC, NDC, PDP and other parties expand campaign structures, strengthen alliances and mobilise voters ahead of the January 2027 presidential election.
Nigeria’s major political parties are intensifying preparations for the 2027 general elections, with campaign councils, grassroots mobilisation, political alliances and internal disputes shaping activities across the country.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections will follow on February 6.
As the presidential election approaches, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are pursuing different strategies to strengthen their political organisations.
While some parties have inaugurated national campaign councils and commenced nationwide rallies, others are addressing internal disagreements and completing their campaign arrangements.
APC Launches Tinubu’s Re-election Campaign
The ruling APC has formally commenced its presidential campaign for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
On October 24, Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the party’s campaign launch in Kaduna State.
The event brought together governors, party leaders, elected officials and supporters as the APC presented its Renewed Hope 2.0 agenda.
Earlier, on October 14, the party inaugurated its Presidential Campaign Council to coordinate nationwide election activities.
The APC is also relying on its established political structures at state, local government and ward levels to mobilise supporters.
In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo inaugurated a state presidential campaign council, directing members to expand mobilisation across wards and polling units.
The ruling party is expected to campaign on its economic reforms, infrastructure projects and other policies implemented since 2023.
However, economic hardship, insecurity and public concerns about the cost of living remain important issues facing the administration as voters assess its record.
ADC Strengthens Atiku’s Presidential Campaign
The African Democratic Congress has also expanded its campaign organisation ahead of the elections.
On October 9, the party inaugurated its presidential campaign council for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The ADC is seeking to consolidate opposition support through political alliances, grassroots mobilisation and state-level campaign structures.
In Kebbi State, its governorship candidate, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, inaugurated a 600-member campaign council in August.
The organisation was tasked with coordinating political activities across the state’s 21 local government areas.
In Sokoto, the party has organised rallies and community engagements while highlighting security, education, healthcare and economic opportunities.
The ADC’s campaign preparations also include efforts to attract political figures and supporters from other parties.
Its challenge will be translating these alliances and campaign activities into an effective nationwide organisation before election day.
NDC Unveils Campaign Council for Obi, Kwankwaso
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has unveiled its National Campaign Council for its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The party released the council’s composition in October, appointing former Bayelsa State Governor Senator Henry Seriake Dickson as chairman.
Obi was named co-chairman, while Kwankwaso will serve as co-vice-chairman.
Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim was appointed Director-General of the presidential campaign.
The NDC also announced appointments covering communication, finance, legal affairs, logistics and regional campaign coordination.
The party said the structure would coordinate nationwide mobilisation and campaign activities.
On October 30, Obi visited Bayelsa State for Dickson’s homecoming ceremony, where he participated in a traditional boat regatta.
During the visit, Obi discussed proposed maritime infrastructure projects and development opportunities for Niger Delta communities.
The engagement formed part of the party’s broader political outreach ahead of the elections.
The NDC has also indicated plans to present its manifesto, outlining the policies it intends to pursue if elected.
PDP Faces Internal Challenges Ahead of Elections
The Peoples Democratic Party is also preparing for the elections, although internal disagreements and candidate-selection disputes have complicated its activities in several states.
The party has been working to finalise campaign structures and coordinate activities among its state chapters.
In Jigawa State, the PDP constituted a 45-member campaign council headed by its governorship candidate, Mustapha Lamido.
In Benue State, governorship candidate Michael Aondoakaa appointed Laha Dzever as Director-General of his campaign organisation.
However, the party has faced challenges involving competing political interests, internal divisions and disputes over candidate nominations.
In Kebbi State, the PDP was absent from the governorship candidate list published by INEC in October.
The development highlighted the potential electoral consequences of unresolved nomination issues.
As the election approaches, the party’s ability to resolve internal disagreements and coordinate its campaign organisations will remain an important development to monitor.
Other Parties Expand Political Activities
Beyond the APC, ADC, NDC and PDP, other registered political parties are also preparing for the elections.
The Allied Peoples Movement has constituted a campaign council for its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and running mate Lawal Daura.
The party has undertaken regional consultations and stakeholder engagements.
The Labour Party has also worked on its candidate nominations and state-level political organisation.
Other parties, including the Young Progressives Party, have commenced mobilisation in selected states.
These activities reflect a wider electoral contest involving political parties with different organisational strengths and campaign priorities.
INEC Intensifies Preparations for 2027 Polls
Meanwhile, INEC has entered the final phase of preparations for the elections.
Speaking at a national stakeholders’ meeting in October, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan said the commission was producing election materials, testing technology and strengthening security arrangements.
He disclosed that Nigeria’s voter register had reached approximately 103 million registered voters following the addition of more than 10 million voters during the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
The commission is also preparing thousands of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices and recruiting personnel for election duties.
INEC has announced additional measures to address vote-buying, electoral misconduct and misinformation.
As political campaigns continue, attention will increasingly focus on campaign promises, electoral security, party organisation and INEC’s readiness to conduct credible elections.
With the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027, the coming weeks will provide further opportunities for voters to examine the parties’ programmes and candidates.
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