DICKSON DRAWS LINE BETWEEN SUPPORT GROUPS AND OFFICIAL CAMPAIGN STRUCTURES

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Seriake Dickson, has said political support groups backing candidates must not assume the responsibilities of a party or establish structures that compete with its official campaign machinery. Dickson made the statement on Tuesday while receiving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, into the NDC, amid an ongoing disagreement between the party and the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement over the formation of a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election.

Dickson said support groups have an important role in mobilising voters and building grassroots support for candidates, but should operate within the framework established by the political party. He explained that such organisations are expected to complement the party by taking campaigns and mobilisation efforts to communities, wards and polling units rather than competing with the party for control or political space. He also said support groups should not sponsor candidates or position themselves as alternative political structures.

The former Bayelsa State governor's comments followed the NDC's decision to distance itself from the 59-member campaign council announced by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement on September 17. The movement, which supports NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso, later argued that it did not require the party's permission to conduct its organisational activities. Dickson, however, maintained that establishing a presidential campaign council was outside the normal responsibilities of a support organisation.

According to Dickson, the NDC has a department responsible for coordinating and registering support groups and remains open to working with more organisations that want to mobilise support for its candidates. He said support groups would have a major role to play once the official campaign structures are inaugurated, particularly in grassroots mobilisation, voter engagement and promoting the party's candidates. He also urged those involved in managing political support organisations to ensure they understand the distinction between their responsibilities and those of the political party.

The NDC is currently preparing its official Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 elections. The party has given Obi and Kwankwaso the authority to nominate several key officers, including the Director-General, Deputy Director-General for the North, campaign spokesman and deputy spokesman, Head of New Media, Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director, in consultation with the party leadership. Dickson said the official structure would provide the framework through which the party, its candidates and support organisations could coordinate their activities as preparations for the general election continue.