2027: Ward Coordinators Wait for Funds as Parties Roll Out New Campaign Models

By George Omagbemi

Political parties preparing for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections are adopting different campaign strategies, but at the grassroots, ward coordinators in some areas are reportedly waiting for campaign funds before they can fully activate their mobilisation structures.

The development comes five weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on presidential and National Assembly campaigns on August 19, while governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns began on September 9.

A report published Monday, September 28, indicates that the APC, ADC, NDC, PDP and Labour Party are moving away, to varying degrees, from the traditional reliance on large rallies, with parties exploring grassroots engagement and other campaign formats.

The APC says its mobilisation is already underway across states, local governments and communities. National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, through his media aide, Abimbola Tooki, said the party was engaging Nigerians ahead of its formal national campaign.

The NDC says it has begun informal campaigning through town-hall meetings and grassroots engagements. However, its campaign council is still being finalised, with Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso authorised to nominate key officials. The party has also said funding and fundraising arrangements are being concluded.

The ADC has constituted Atiku Abubakar’s Presidential Campaign Council, while the PDP is also developing its campaign structures.

For the Labour Party, spokesman Ken Asogwa said its presidential campaign is expected to begin in earnest in mid-October, with the party currently fine-tuning its campaign organogram.

At the ward level, however, the funding question remains a major issue. Some coordinators reportedly say they are ready to mobilise but require financial backing from their respective parties to organise meetings, coordinate supporters and sustain grassroots activities.

The emerging picture is therefore one of new campaign models, evolving party structures and ward-level coordinators waiting for resources to turn political plans into sustained grassroots mobilisation ahead of 2027.