NDC Edo Launches Campaign Planning Committee, Charges Leaders To Put Party First
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Edo State Chapter, has inaugurated its State Campaign/Election Planning Committee as the party intensifies preparations for the forthcoming general elections.
The committee was unveiled on Saturday, September 5, 2026, during an enlarged extraordinary joint consultative meeting held in Benin City and attended by members of the State Working Committee, elders and caucus leaders, Senatorial Working Committees, Local Government Area (LGA) Working Committees, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates, among other party stakeholders.
Addressing members at the meeting, the State Chairman of the party, Engr. David Olukoga, appreciated participants for their presence and called for renewed commitment to the party's ideals and programmes.
Olukoga urged members to embrace a "Party-First" approach, stressing the need for leaders and candidates to work collectively and take the message of service to the grassroots.
Party Reviews Candidate Lists, Election Preparations
Giving an update on the state of the party, the chairman explained the circumstances surrounding the delay in the release of the party's candidate lists for the National Assembly and State Assembly elections.
He said the National Assembly candidate lists were officially released in July 2026, while the State Assembly lists were released in August 2026.
Olukoga assured members that the steps taken by the party leadership regarding the lists were in the best interest of the NDC, urging members not to allow any post-primary disagreements or developments to undermine their commitment to the party.
Zonal Campaign Committees Unveiled
The State Chairman also announced the composition of the State Central Campaign/Election Planning Committee.
According to him, the committee comprises the State Executive members, Senatorial Caucus Leaders, Senatorial Vice Chairmen, all LGA Chairmen, one Ward Caucus Leader and one Ward Leader from each ward.
The Senatorial Vice Chairmen were designated to head campaign committees in the three senatorial zones, working in continuous liaison with and reporting to the respective Senatorial Caucus Leaders.
While unveiling the heads of the zonal campaign and election planning committees, Olukoga charged them to work closely with candidates and other party stakeholders in their respective zones towards achieving the party's electoral objectives.
Leaders Raise Concerns, Offer Suggestions
The meeting also provided an opportunity for party leaders and representatives to discuss challenges confronting the party and propose strategies for strengthening its structures ahead of the elections.
Representatives of three LGAs, three Senatorial candidates and a member of the State Elder/Caucus spoke during the open session, highlighting concerns, assessing the party's current position and offering recommendations.
They collectively stressed the importance of cooperation, unity and effective coordination among the various levels of the party structure.
NDC Chairman Warns Against Mixing Party Funds With Personal Finances
In his response, Olukoga commended the participants for their openness and constructive contributions.
He particularly cautioned LGA Chairmen against conflating party finances with personal welfare or empowerment, stressing the need for a clear separation between party funds and personal resources.
The chairman directed LGA Chairmen to channel financial matters through the appropriate members of their respective Working Committees, in line with the provisions of the party's constitution.
He also emphasized the importance of establishing dedicated bank accounts for the Senatorial and LGA structures, directing the relevant leaders to open accounts in the name of the party to reduce the reliance on personal accounts for keeping party funds.
Deputy Chairman Calls for Unity
In his closing remarks, the State Deputy Chairman, Hon. Nareus Itsabemho, thanked members for attending the meeting and commended the party leadership across the state.
Itsabemho further emphasized the need for members to work together under a united front as the party moves towards the general elections.
The meeting ended on a celebratory note as party members joined the State Chairman, Engr. David Olukoga, to mark his birthday anniversary, which was celebrated on September 3.
