NDC Faces Internal Strife Over Leadership Control

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is experiencing significant internal tensions regarding its political control, particularly between the party leadership and the movements associated with Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Senator Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the NDC, has publicly stated that the party should not be seen as dependent on Obi or any other politician, emphasizing that the NDC provides a platform for politicians rather than the other way around.

He has asserted his identity as NDC, distancing himself from the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements. The conflict escalated with the announcement of a 59-member presidential campaign council by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, which the NDC leadership rejected, claiming it did not originate from the party.

The NDC warned against the creation of parallel structures, while the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement maintained its independence but acknowledged the party's supremacy. Peter Obi later clarified that the movement is subordinate to the NDC.

Campaigns for the January 16, 2026 presidential election began on August 16.