The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has distanced itself from a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council set up by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement (OK Movement), a support group backing the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. The OK Movement announced the campaign council on September 17, but the NDC later disowned it, saying it was not created by the party and should be disregarded.
The National Leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, has warned political support groups against setting up structures that compete with the party's official campaign machinery ahead of the 2027 general elections. Dickson spoke on Tuesday while receiving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, into the NDC in Abuja. He emphasised that support groups should work within the framework of the political party backing them.
Dickson explained that support groups were expected to mobilise support for candidates and not compete with the political party that is sponsoring candidates. He described the creation of a presidential campaign council by a support group as unusual and urged those responsible for political education to address the situation. The OK Movement had claimed it did not require the party's approval to carry out its organisational activities.
The NDC leader stressed that support groups remained important to the party's campaign efforts but must operate within the established structure. He said the party had a department responsible for coordinating and registering support groups and welcomed organisations willing to mobilise support for its candidates. Dickson also warned support groups against turning against the parties they were established to support.
The NDC is preparing its official Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election. Obi and Kwankwaso have been authorised to nominate key officers of the council in consultation with the party leadership. The positions include Director-General, Deputy Director-General for the North, campaign spokesman and deputy spokesman, Head of New Media, Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director.
The arrangement follows consultations between Obi, Kwankwaso, Dickson and other leaders as the party prepares to inaugurate the official campaign council. The NDC is yet to announce the full list of members of its Presidential Campaign Council. The party's campaign efforts are expected to gain momentum in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, former SGF Babachir Lawal officially joined the NDC, a development seen as a boost to the party's campaign efforts. Lawal's defection is a significant addition to the party, which is seeking to make gains in the 2027 general elections. The NDC is working to strengthen its campaign machinery and mobilise support for its candidates.
Key points
- The NDC disowned the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement's 59-member Presidential Campaign Council, citing it as an unauthorised structure.
- Support groups should work within the framework of the political party backing them, according to NDC leader Seriake Dickson.
- The NDC is preparing its official Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election, with Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso authorised to nominate key officers.
