National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has warned political support groups affiliated with the party against attempting to operate as parallel structures or compete with the party for control. He made this statement while receiving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, into the NDC. Dickson emphasized that support groups have a crucial role in mobilizing voters and promoting the party's candidates but must not assume the functions of a political party.
According to Dickson, support groups do not sponsor candidates and should work with the political party and its campaign structures to mobilize support at the grassroots level. He stated that support groups do not play the role of a political party and should focus on providing grassroots support and mobilization. Dickson's comments come as the NDC continues to coordinate its different political support bases associated with its presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The NDC leader maintained that the party recognizes the importance of support groups and has made provisions within its structure for their coordination. He revealed that he has held meetings with Obidient groups and urged the various support groups associated with the party to focus on mobilizing voters and propagating the party's programs and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dickson emphasized that support groups will have a role in linking campaign teams with grassroots structures once the campaign structures are established. However, he stressed that they must confine themselves to their role and not compete with the party. The NDC leader argued that the existence of several support groups is not a problem, as they can complement the party's structures rather than compete with them.
Dickson encouraged support groups to concentrate on providing support for the party's candidates, galvanizing support at the grassroots level, and propagating the candidates and the party. He also stated that the party remains open to working with different support organizations while insisting that their activities should complement, rather than substitute for, the formal structures of the NDC.
The NDC leader had previously stated that the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya groups could maintain their identities but should work towards the party's electoral objectives. This move is part of the party's efforts to coordinate its support bases and ensure a unified approach ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dickson's warning to support groups highlights the party's commitment to maintaining a clear distinction between the roles of support groups and the party itself. The party aims to ensure that support groups work together with the party's formal structures to achieve its electoral objectives.
Key points
- NDC leader Seriake Dickson warns support groups against competing with the party.
- Support groups should focus on mobilizing voters and promoting the party's candidates.
- The NDC has made provisions for the coordination of support groups within its structure.
