The Elders, Leaders and Stakeholders Council of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Delta North Senatorial District, has commenced an extensive mobilisation campaign aimed at securing the support of traditional institutions, community leaders, professional bodies, youths, women and other stakeholders for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council, which began its sensitisation campaign in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, said it would extend the mobilisation to the nine local government areas that make up the Delta North Senatorial District.

Among the candidates the council is mobilising support for are the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi; the party’s Delta State governorship candidate, Dacon Chris Iyovware; Victor Ochei and other candidates contesting various elective positions under the platform of the party.

At the meeting in Kwale, the council appealed to Deltans to critically consider the NDC and support its candidates in the 2027 elections, saying greater participation by citizens and stakeholders was necessary for determining the political direction of the state and country.

Chairman of the council, Chief Alex Ikpeazu, in his opening remarks, said the stakeholders had resolved to expand the membership of the council and strengthen its mobilisation activities ahead of the elections.

Ikpeazu, who appreciated participants for their presence, contributions and commitment, explained that the council was established to support NDC candidates at all levels while creating a platform through which the objectives of the party could be better communicated to the people.

He said the Kwale meeting was also designed to prepare stakeholders to participate actively in the political process and to demonstrate their support for Obi, Iyovware and other candidates of the party.

According to him, the decision to engage traditional rulers, community leaders, professional associations, youths, women and other interest groups was aimed at ensuring that citizens were adequately informed about the reasons behind the formation of the NDC and what the party’s programmes could mean for Delta State and Nigeria.

He said: “We are not here merely to mobilise people for an election. We are here to engage our communities, listen to the concerns of our people and ensure that they understand the choices before them as we approach 2027.”

The council’s Secretary, High Chief Sony Neme, said the meeting was more than an exercise in political mobilisation, describing it as an opportunity for stakeholders to interact, network and deliberate on issues affecting the country.

Neme said those gathered were patriotic Nigerians who had decided to play a more active role in determining the political direction of Delta State and the country.

He added that the stakeholders were also expressing their confidence in the leadership and candidacies of Obi, Iyovware, Ochei and other NDC candidates.

He urged participants to take the message of the council to their respective communities and constituencies, stressing the importance of sustained engagement before the elections.

One of the participants, Chief Steven Ikpade, said the mobilisation would continue across Delta North until the 2027 general elections.

Ikpade said the turnout at the Kwale meeting demonstrated the willingness of stakeholders in the senatorial district to participate in political activities centred on community engagement and national development.

The host of the meeting, Chief Emma Ogbe, reiterated the council’s commitment to working for the success of NDC candidates at all levels.

Ogbe also disclosed that the Diaspora Executive Council would be inaugurated at the next meeting as part of efforts to broaden the structure and reach of the mobilisation campaign.