NDC Clears Air On Dickson’s Remarks, Reaffirms Backing For Obidients, Kwankwasiya Ahead Of 2027 Poll

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports suggesting that its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, is opposed to political support groups, saying his comments have been deliberately misinterpreted to create division within the coalition backing the party’s presidential candidate.

The party said Senator Dickson remains a strong supporter of the constitutional right of political support groups to exist and organise, adding that he has repeatedly expressed that position in public.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC accused unnamed individuals of twisting Dickson’s remarks to fuel unnecessary tension between the Obidient Movement, the Kwankwasiya Movement and the party.

“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’s position was never against support groups but was only meant to clarify the constitutional roles of political parties and campaign organisations.

According to the statement, support groups are free to establish campaign teams and mobilise supporters, but only a political party can officially constitute a Presidential Campaign Council because it is the party that sponsors candidates 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 NDC said it values the contributions of the Obidient and Kwankwasiya movements, describing them as two of the country’s most vibrant grassroots political platforms.
“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 statement added.

The party urged members and supporters of the coalition to remain united and avoid distractions, stressing that collective efforts would be needed to secure victory for the party’s 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.