Senator Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, stated that political support groups must not compete with the party or set up structures that perform the functions of its official campaign machinery.
Senator Seriake Dickson made the remarks while receiving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal into the party. He addressed the recent action by the Obi/Kwankwaso Movement, also known as the OK Movement, which unveiled a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council.
Senator Seriake Dickson said, “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. They don’t play the role of a political party. They don’t sponsor candidates. They provide grassroots support, mobilisation support.”
He added that it was unusual for any support group to establish a presidential campaign council. “None of them will dare say they are setting up a presidential campaign council. It’s unheard of. Nonsensical. And those who have a duty to educate and call people to order should do so,” Senator Seriake Dickson stated.
The NDC National Leader further noted that the party maintains a department responsible for coordinating and registering support groups. He said the NDC welcomes more organisations ready to mobilise support for its candidates.
Senator Seriake Dickson emphasised that support groups hold an important place in the party’s campaign efforts. However, he insisted they must operate strictly within the party’s established structure and confine themselves to grassroots mobilisation and promotion of the candidates and the party.
He called on the party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi and running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso to call the OK Movement to order.