Senator Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has stated that political support groups should not compete with their sponsoring parties or establish structures that perform the functions of official campaign machinery. He made this statement while receiving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, into the NDC. Dickson's remarks come amid a dispute between the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement and the NDC over the creation of a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council.
The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, a support group backing NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso, had announced the council on September 17. However, the NDC dissociated itself from the structure, saying it did not emanate from the party and should be disregarded. The movement later claimed it did not require the NDC's permission to carry out its organisational functions. Dickson emphasized that support groups are expected to mobilize support for candidates rather than compete with the party sponsoring them.
Dickson explained that support groups should not turn against the parties they were established to support. He stated that these groups should provide grassroots support and mobilisation, not sponsor candidates or play the role of a political party. The former Bayelsa State governor noted that the NDC has a department responsible for coordinating and registering support groups and welcomes more organisations to mobilise support for its candidates.
Dickson described it as unusual for a support group to establish a presidential campaign council, adding that those responsible for educating political supporters should intervene. He stressed that support groups have an important role to play in the party's campaign but should operate within the party's established structure. The NDC leader's comments come as the party prepares to constitute its own Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election.
The NDC has given Obi and Kwankwaso the authority 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. This arrangement follows consultations between Obi, Kwankwaso, Dickson, and other party leaders.
The development highlights the importance of support groups in political campaigns while emphasizing the need for them to operate within established party structures. Dickson's statement serves as a reminder of the roles and responsibilities of support groups in Nigeria's political landscape. The NDC's move to constitute its official campaign council is expected to further clarify the party's strategy for the 2027 election.
The dispute between the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement and the NDC underscores the challenges that can arise when support groups and parties interact. Dickson's comments are seen as an effort to maintain party cohesion and ensure that support groups complement rather than complicate party activities. The NDC's approach to engaging support groups and constituting its campaign council will likely be closely watched by political observers.
Key points
- Support groups should not compete with parties or establish rival campaign structures.
- NDC leader Senator Seriake Dickson emphasizes the importance of support groups operating within party structures.
- The NDC is set to constitute its official Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election.
