# Nigeria 2027 presidential election preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260922-nigeria-2027-presidential-election-preparations
> Updated: 2026-09-22T02:02:30.000Z. Sources: 39. Developments: 2.

Political activity is increasing surrounding the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, specifically regarding the candidacy of Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). In mid-September, veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor endorsed Obi during an event for ‘Celebrities for Peter Obi’. Ozokwor criticized Nigeria’s economic management, describing the nation as a ‘spoiled child’ for failing to utilize its natural resources and noting a significant wealth gap. By late September, the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement expanded its organizational structure by unveiling a 59-member presidential campaign council. This council is intended to support a joint ticket between Peter Obi and running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso. The council includes coordinators for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with specialized directors for areas such as security, legal affairs, and mobilization. In September 2026, the NDC granted Obi and Kwankwaso the authority to nominate key members for their Presidential Campaign Council, including a Director-General and spokespersons. This move follows internal discussions aimed at resolving disputes with the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement regarding campaign structure and autonomy. Concurrently, the party has initiated nationwide mobilization efforts, including the recruitment and training of polling agents to strengthen its electoral machinery. Amidst these developments, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal has defected to the NDC from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Lawal announced his defection in Abuja, citing concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security, economic hardship, and social conditions. NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson welcomed Lawal, tasking him with strengthening party influence across the North-East and North-Central geopolitical zones. Regarding economic policy, Rabiu Kwankwaso stated that an NDC-led administration would reintroduce fuel subsidies in a different form, proposing government investment in refineries to increase domestic production and ensure reasonable petrol prices.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Babachir Lawal joins NDC, backing Obi-Kwankwaso for 2027

Former SGF Babachir Lawal has joined the NDC, backing the Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket for 2027. The party is also navigating internal campaign disputes and debating fuel subsidy policies.

39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/obi-kwankwaso-movement-unveils-59-member-campaign-council

### 2026-09-16: Patience Ozokwor endorses Peter Obi for 2027 Nigerian presidency

Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor has endorsed Peter Obi for Nigeria's 2027 presidential election, citing the need for better resource management and reduced wealth inequality.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patience-ozokwor-endorses-peter-obi-for-2027-nigerian-presidency

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Cite as: Nigeria 2027 presidential election preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260922-nigeria-2027-presidential-election-preparations