National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, has urged the party’s presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to intervene in the activities of the OK Movement.
Dickson made the appeal after the support organisation linked to Obi and Kwankwaso announced the formation of a 59-member body to serve as the Presidential Campaign Council for the NDC’s 2027 presidential candidate.
The former Bayelsa State governor spoke while welcoming former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, into the opposition party.
He questioned the authority of a support organisation to constitute a presidential campaign structure on behalf of a political party, describing the development as inappropriate.
According to Dickson, groups established to support political candidates should complement the activities of the parties involved rather than assume responsibilities reserved for the party itself.
He maintained that the OK Movement should operate within the limits of its role and avoid creating structures that could be interpreted as competing with the NDC.
The NDC leader stressed that support organisations do not possess the same responsibilities as political parties and should not attempt to take over functions belonging to the party.
He explained that such groups are primarily created to assist candidates with grassroots engagement, mobilisation and other forms of campaign support.
Dickson said they should not seek control over party affairs or attempt to establish parallel structures that could challenge the authority of the political organisation sponsoring a candidate.
He noted that political parties across the country have numerous affiliated support groups, adding that the existence of such organisations is not unusual.
According to him, the NDC has several groups working to promote its political interests, while other parties, including the governing party, also have numerous organisations supporting their candidates.
However, he argued that these groups traditionally operate as auxiliary organisations rather than assuming formal party responsibilities.
Dickson therefore questioned the decision by the OK Movement to announce a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council, insisting that the responsibility for establishing such a structure lies with the political party.
He warned that allowing support groups to create competing campaign structures could generate confusion over leadership, authority and responsibilities within the party.
The NDC leader called on Obi and Kwankwaso, as the party’s presidential ticket holders, to address the matter and ensure that the support organisation operates within the boundaries expected of it.
He also urged those responsible for maintaining discipline within the political structure to intervene before the disagreement develops into a broader internal issue.
Dickson reiterated that support groups remain important to political campaigns because they can help candidates connect with voters and strengthen grassroots mobilisation.
However, he insisted that their contribution should complement, rather than replace, the organisational structures of the political party.
He said the party remains responsible for determining its campaign arrangements and should not have its authority challenged by organisations established to support its candidates.
The controversy follows the announcement by the OK Movement of the proposed 59-member Presidential Campaign Council, which has triggered questions about the relationship between the support group and the NDC.
Dickson’s remarks highlight the need for clearer boundaries between the party and organisations working to support its presidential ticket as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
Yes! Because i was confused the way the groups are doing their activities. They’re claiming to be more superiors than the party EXCOS. They should know their boundaries now.
From: Justice Anthony Ocheli
NDC Youth leader, ukwuani local government area of delta state.