COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 4TH ANNUAL NATIONAL SUMMIT 2026
AND UNVEILING OF DUMMY BALLOT PAPERS FOR GRASSROOTS SENSITIZATION
Date: Thursday, 10th September 2026
Venue: Monarchy Event Center, No. 70 Effurun-Sapele Road, Effurun, Uvwie, Delta State
THEME:
“Building a Formidable Political Structure for Victory in the 2027 General Elections: Learning from the 2023 Experience and Charting a New Winning Formula.”
- PREAMBLE
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) held its 4th Annual National Summit 2026, alongside the Unveiling of Dummy Ballot Papers for Grassroots Sensitization, on Thursday, 10th September 2026, at Monarchy Event Center, Effurun, Delta State.
The Summit brought together CPO leadership, State Coordinators, support-group representatives, political stakeholders, youths, women, invited guests and members of the public from different parts of the country.
The Summit provided an opportunity for participants to deliberate on the lessons of the 2023 General Elections, the importance of effective grassroots structures, voter education, organizational coordination and preparations for future electoral engagements.
- DELIBERATIONS
After extensive presentations, discussions and interactions, the Summit deliberated on the following key areas:
A. Lessons from the 2023 General Elections
Participants reviewed the experiences and challenges encountered during the 2023 General Elections, particularly in the areas of grassroots organization, voter education, communication, polling-unit coordination, result documentation and mobilization.
The Summit emphasized the importance of learning from previous experiences and developing practical systems for future electoral activities.
B. Grassroots Organization
The Summit recognized the importance of building sustainable structures from the State level down to Local Government Areas, Wards and communities.
Participants emphasized the need for improved coordination, communication, accountability and regular engagement across all levels of the organization.
C. Voter Education and Sensitization
The Summit recognized voter education as an important component of grassroots engagement.
The unveiling of the Dummy Ballot Papers was therefore presented as a practical educational initiative to help citizens become familiar with ballot formats and the voting process.
D. Dummy Ballot Paper Initiative
The Summit welcomed the production of 20,000 Dummy Ballot Papers as the initial phase of the grassroots sensitization programme.
The materials are to be deployed through appropriate grassroots structures for voter education and sensitization activities.
The Summit further encouraged proper documentation of distribution and utilization of the materials.
E. Technology and Electoral Results
The Summit received presentations on the use of technology for real-time transmission, monitoring and collation of election results from polling units.
Participants noted the importance of accurate documentation, transparency and timely communication of electoral information.
F. Organizational Identity
The Summit also recognized the importance of a common organizational identity.
The production and deployment of CPO branded T-shirts and Caps were noted as part of efforts to promote visibility, identification and unity during CPO programmes and grassroots activities.
- RESOLUTIONS
After deliberations, the Summit resolved as follows: - Strengthening of Grassroots Structures
CPO State Coordinators and relevant leadership structures should continue to strengthen grassroots organization down to the Ward and community levels.
- Grassroots Sensitization
A coordinated grassroots sensitization programme should be developed and implemented using the Dummy Ballot Papers and other voter-education materials.
- Distribution of Dummy Ballot Papers
The initial 20,000 Dummy Ballot Papers should be distributed strategically through CPO structures, with proper records maintained for accountability.
- State-Level Implementation
Each State structure should develop an appropriate sensitization plan based on its local circumstances and submit reports on activities carried out.
- Monitoring and Evaluation
A monitoring and evaluation mechanism should be strengthened to track:
Materials distributed.
Sensitization activities conducted.
Number of participants reached.
Feedback from grassroots communities.
Challenges encountered.
Recommendations for improvement.
- Regular Coordination Meetings
Regular meetings of CPO State Coordinators and relevant leadership structures should be sustained to review progress and address emerging challenges.
- Communication
There should be improved communication between the National Secretariat, State Coordinators, Zonal Coordinators and grassroots structures.
- Documentation
All grassroots sensitization activities should be properly documented through reports, attendance records, photographs and other relevant evidence.
- Financial Accountability
All funds received and expended for CPO programmes and projects should be properly documented and reconciled.
- CPO Branded Uniforms
The remaining CPO branded T-shirts and Caps should continue to be made available for CPO programmes, meetings, sensitization activities and other approved engagements.
- ACTION PLAN
The Summit recommends the following immediate actions:
S/N
Action
Responsible Structure
- Develop grassroots sensitization plan
CPO National/State Structures - Distribute Dummy Ballot Papers
State & Grassroots Coordinators - Conduct voter education activities
State/LGA/Ward Structures - Document sensitization activities
State M&E Teams - Submit periodic reports
State Coordinators - Monitor implementation
National M&E Structure - Strengthen communication channels
National/State Media & ICT Teams - Continue sale/distribution of CPO uniforms
Uniform Committee/State Structures - Reconcile project finances
Relevant Committees - Review implementation progress
CPO Leadership - CALL FOR COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
The Summit called on all CPO leaders, coordinators, members and supporters to take collective responsibility for strengthening organizational structures, promoting civic and voter education, and ensuring that grassroots activities are properly coordinated and documented.
The Summit further emphasized that effective grassroots engagement requires sustained organization, discipline, communication, teamwork and accountability.
- APPRECIATION
The Summit expressed appreciation to the CPO National Leadership, Planning Committee, State Coordinators, support groups, invited guests, financial contributors, volunteers, media teams, logistics teams and all participants who contributed to the success of the 4th Annual National Summit.
Special appreciation goes to all those who travelled from different parts of the country to attend the Summit and to everyone who supported the Dummy Ballot Paper and other Summit projects.
- CONCLUSION
The CPO 4th Annual National Summit 2026 and Unveiling of Dummy Ballot Papers for Grassroots Sensitization provided an important platform for reflection, strategic engagement, organizational development and grassroots voter education.
The Summit reaffirmed the importance of building effective and sustainable grassroots structures and committed the relevant CPO structures to implementing the resolutions contained in this communiqué.
The Summit further encouraged all State, Zonal, Local Government and Ward structures to translate the resolutions into practical activities and maintain proper documentation of their progress.
“A New Nigeria is Certainly Possible in 2027.”
Issued by:
HON. IKENNA MBANEFO
National Coordinator
Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO)
For:
CPO 4th Annual National Summit 2026 Planning Committee
Date of Issuance: 21st September 2026.