Support groups can’t set up campaign councils – Dickson

National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Seriake Dickson, has cautioned political support groups against competing with the party or forming structures that perform the functions of the party's official campaign machinery. This warning came as the Ok Movement, a support group supporting NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso for the 2027 election, announced the creation of a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council.

The NDC subsequently disassociated itself from the structure, stating it did not originate from the party and should be disregarded. Dickson emphasized that support groups are meant to mobilize support for candidates rather than compete with the sponsoring political party, stating that they do not play the role of a political party, do not sponsor candidates, and provide grassroots support and mobilization support.

He also warned that support groups should not turn against the parties they were established to support. The NDC has a department responsible for coordinating and registering support groups, and welcomes more organizations to mobilize support for its candidates. The NDC leader stressed that support groups have an important role to play in the party's campaign, but should operate within the party's established structure.