Senator Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has expressed his disapproval of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement's decision to establish a 59-member presidential campaign council. Dickson described the move as "nonsensical" and emphasized that support groups should not operate as parallel structures to political parties. He made these comments while welcoming former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, into the NDC.
The internal dispute between the NDC and OK Movement began after the latter unveiled its presidential campaign council, naming John Ughulu as Director-General and Saadatu Sani as National Secretary. In response, the NDC disowned the council, stating it was not authorized by the party. National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, stressed that no individual or support group could constitute a campaign structure in the name of the NDC without approval from the party's National Working Committee.
Dickson further clarified the role of support groups, stating they were created to mobilize voters and promote candidates, not compete with the sponsoring political party. He argued that support groups should work alongside the party and its authorized campaign structures, providing grassroots support and mobilization. Dickson emphasized that support groups do not sponsor candidates or perform the functions of political parties.
The former Bayelsa State governor criticized the OK Movement's decision to establish a presidential campaign council, calling it "unheard of" and "nonsensical". However, Dickson acknowledged the importance of support groups and expressed the NDC's willingness to accommodate them within the party's broader campaign structure. He revealed that he had held meetings with Obidient groups and encouraged them to maintain their identities and operate at different levels of activity.
Dickson emphasized that support groups should confine themselves to their role of grassroots mobilization and support for the party's candidates. He urged the groups to concentrate on mobilizing voters, propagating the party's programs, and promoting its candidates at the grassroots. The NDC leader believed that multiple support groups could complement the party's structures rather than compete with them.
The OK Movement has rejected the NDC's disavowal of its campaign council, insisting that it remains an independent political organization with its own leadership and internal processes. National Secretary, Sani, stated that the group recognizes the constitutional and statutory role of political parties but argued that this does not make it a subordinate structure of the NDC.
The OK Movement's National Secretary, Sani, demanded that Senator Moses Cleopas withdraw his statements and apologize to the movement. Despite the disagreement, Dickson's comments highlight the NDC's stance on the role of support groups in the party's campaign structure. The development comes as the NDC and OK Movement continue to campaign for their candidates in the upcoming elections.
Key points
- The Nigeria Democratic Congress has disowned the OK Movement's 59-member presidential campaign council, citing lack of authorization.
- Senator Seriake Dickson described the OK Movement's decision as "nonsensical" and emphasized the role of support groups in mobilizing voters and promoting candidates.
- The OK Movement has rejected the NDC's disavowal of its campaign council, asserting its independence and right to campaign for its candidates.
