Dickson Asserts Support Groups Must Not Compete with NDC

Senator Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), asserted that political support groups must not compete with the party or create structures that mimic its official campaign machinery. His comments were made on Tuesday during the reception of Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, into the NDC.

This statement arises amid a conflict with the OK Movement, a support group for NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso, which announced a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council on September 17. The NDC distanced itself from this council, stating it was not sanctioned by the party.

Dickson emphasized that support groups should mobilize support rather than act as competitors and should not criticize the political parties they support. He mentioned that the NDC is in the process of forming its own Presidential Campaign Council, with Obi and Kwankwaso authorized to nominate key officers in consultation with party leadership.