2027: Dickson not against Obidents and Kwankwasiya groups – NDC

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed claims that its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, is opposed to political support groups, insisting that his comments have been deliberately misrepresented to create division among supporters of the party’s presidential ticket.

The party said Senator Dickson fully supports the existence of political support groups, including the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiya movement, describing them as important partners in the campaign for the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party said some individuals were twisting the senator’s remarks to score political points and sow distrust among supporters of the coalition.

“It is surprising how some people are trying to twist and manipulate the words of the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, to score cheap political points and cause disaffection and mutual distrust between the Obidients, Kwankwasiya and the NDC. This plot will fail,” the statement said.

The party explained that Dickson has consistently defended the constitutional right of support groups to exist and organise themselves.

According to the statement, while support groups are free to establish campaign structures if they choose, only a registered political party has the legal authority to constitute a Presidential Campaign Council because it is the party that sponsors a candidate for election.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Dickson believes in the constitutional right of support groups to exist and has said so several times. He even said that support groups have a right to set up a campaign team if they so wish.

“But no support group has the right to set up a Presidential Campaign Council. That right belongs to the political party, because it is the party that is fielding a presidential candidate and not the support groups. This is clear enough for anyone without mischievous intent to understand,” the statement added.

The NDC also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with both the Obidient and Kwankwasiya movements, describing them as among the country’s strongest grassroots political organisations.

“The NDC is more than delighted to work with the most consistent and vocal organic political movements in Nigeria today — the Obidients and Kwankwasiya,” the party stated.

Calling for unity ahead of the presidential election, the party urged all supporters to remain focused on securing victory for its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“Let us keep our eyes on the ball and ensure victory for our presidential candidate and his running mate, Obi and Kwankwaso, during the January presidential election.

“A New Nigeria is POssible! We can do it,” the statement said.

The clarification comes amid growing political activities and efforts by parties and support groups to strengthen mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election, with the NDC stressing that unity among its supporters remains essential to achieving its electoral goals.