AWKA, NIGERIA — The National Democratic Congress is building a 13-man executive structure in every polling unit across Nigeria as part of its preparations for the 2027 general elections, according to a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly.
The lawmaker, who represents a constituency in Anambra State, disclosed this on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the party in Awka. He said the initiative was designed to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence and ensure that it has a functional structure at the most granular level of Nigeria’s electoral system.
“The NDC is not leaving anything to chance. We are building a 13-man executive structure in every polling unit across the country. This is the most comprehensive grassroots mobilisation effort ever undertaken by any political party in Nigeria,” the lawmaker stated.
The structure, according to him, will comprise a coordinator, secretary, treasurer, financial secretary, publicity secretary, organising secretary, youth leader, women leader, legal adviser, and other officers. He explained that the polling unit executives would be responsible for voter mobilisation, community engagement, and the protection of the party’s votes on election day.
The lawmaker said the party had already commenced the process of identifying and appointing competent individuals to fill the positions, with a focus on youth inclusion and gender balance. He noted that the NDC was committed to building a party that reflects the diversity of Nigeria and that gives young people and women a genuine voice in decision-making.
“We are not just building a party for the election; we are building a movement for the future. The polling unit is where elections are won and lost. By establishing a strong presence at that level, we are ensuring that the NDC is in touch with the people and that their votes will be protected,” he said.
The lawmaker also praised the leadership of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for their commitment to grassroots organising. He said the party’s message of good governance, economic transformation, and social justice was resonating with Nigerians across the country.
The NDC’s grassroots structure building comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections. The party has been positioning itself as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress, with Obi and Kwankwaso leading its presidential ticket. The party has also been attracting defectors from other political parties, including former governors, senators, and members of the House of Representatives.
Political analysts have described the NDC’s polling unit strategy as ambitious but potentially effective, noting that grassroots structures are critical to electoral success in Nigeria. They, however, cautioned that building a nationwide structure requires significant resources, coordination, and time, and that the party would need to sustain its momentum in the months ahead.
The Anambra lawmaker said the party was undeterred by the challenges, adding that the NDC was determined to rewrite Nigeria’s political history. “We are building a structure that will outlast this election. We are building a party that will be around for generations. The NDC is here to stay,” he declared.
