NDC: Dickson rejects OK Movement’s campaign council

National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has rejected the creation of a separate campaign structure by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, warning political support groups against operating as parallel structures to the party.

Dickson spoke on Tuesday while receiving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, into the NDC in Abuja.

His comments followed the decision by the OK Movement, a support group backing the NDC presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, to unveil a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council on September 17. The NDC subsequently disowned the council, saying it was not authorised by the party.

Dickson said support groups were established to complement political parties through mobilisation and grassroots engagement, rather than compete with them for influence or control.

“Support groups don’t compete with the political party that is sponsoring candidates. Support groups don’t compete for supremacy, for space. Support groups are what they are: support groups,” he said.

He said such groups should not assume the functions of political parties by sponsoring candidates or establishing competing campaign structures.

“Support groups don’t play the role of a political party. They don’t sponsor candidates. They provide grassroots support, mobilisation, and support,” Dickson said.

The former Bayelsa governor said the NDC had provided room for various support groups, including Obidient groups, to operate within its structure.