Dickson Warns Support Groups Against Setting Up Campaign Councils

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has cautioned political support groups against competing with political parties or creating parallel campaign structures.

Dickson issued the warning on Tuesday while welcoming former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, into the NDC.

His remarks followed tensions between the party and the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement (OK Movement), which recently announced a 59-member presidential campaign council for the 2027 elections.

The NDC swiftly distanced itself from the council, insisting it was not authorised by the party.

The OK Movement, however, maintained that it did not need the party’s approval to carry out its organisational functions.

Dickson stressed that support groups exist to mobilise grassroots backing for candidates, not to rival political parties.

“Support groups don’t compete with the political party sponsoring candidates. They don’t sponsor candidates. They provide grassroots mobilisation support,” he said.

He added that groups should not attack or undermine the parties they were formed to support, describing the OK Movement’s decision to set up a campaign council as “unheard of” and “nonsensical.”

The former Bayelsa governor explained that the NDC has a department dedicated to registering and coordinating support groups, noting that while the party welcomes such organisations, they must operate within established structures.

Meanwhile, the NDC announced that its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have been authorised to nominate key officers for the party’s official campaign council.

Positions include Director-General, Deputy Director-General (North), campaign spokesman, deputy spokesman, Head of New Media, and Finance Director.

The party said the arrangement followed consultations among Obi, Kwankwaso, Dickson, and other leaders, as preparations intensify for the 2027 campaign.