By Sandra Kenneth
State chairmen of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have strongly reasserted the supremacy of the party’s formal structures, cautioning the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement against setting up parallel campaign bodies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The friction follows the NDC National Working Committee’s rejection on September 19 of a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council announced by the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement for presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. NDC National Leader Seriake Dickson also warned support groups against competing for party control. Although OK Movement Director-General John Ughulu declared the group would not fold its structure into the NDC, state party leaders across the country insist the party remains the sole authority for election operations.
Tensions and Sidelining Allegations
Several state chairmen expressed concern that autonomous support group activities could jeopardize electoral coordination and party accountability.
Osun State: NDC Chairman Charles Omidiji emphasized that support groups cannot conduct campaigns independently of party oversight. “Authorities cannot give a candidate permission to campaign except the party gives a nod… It is the party that owns agents and supervises the election,” Omidiji stated, adding that candidates campaigning in isolation would forfeit official party monitoring and election agent support.
Anambra State: State Chairman David Chukwudifu reported severe friction, claiming the Obidient Movement has sidelined formal party officers and all 326 ward chairmen since joining on May 3, 2026. He urged the national leadership to intervene, noting that efforts to reach Peter Obi directly had been unsuccessful.
Kano State: Chairman Hussaini Meriga stressed that while Obi and Kwankwaso brought distinct movements into the alliance, both remain bound by party constitution and rules.
Ogun & Edo States: Ogun Chairman Femi Alao and Edo Chairman David Olukoga maintained that support groups must align under the unified party structure alongside student, trade, and community affiliate groups.
Calls for Alignment and Reconciliation
In contrast, several regional and state leaders reported smoother collaboration and dismissed reports of a rift.
National Leadership: NDC National Vice Chairman (South-East) Teddy Obey called on all factions to present a united front, confirming that mechanisms are being established to integrate all support groups into a single campaign platform.
OK Movement Leadership: National Convener Jackie Wayas denied allegations of working in isolation, stating that the movement’s primary objective remains advancing the NDC’s official platform and candidate ticket.
State Solutions: Leaders in Adamawa (Ibrahim Bebetu), FCT (Haruna Pai), Enugu, Akwa Ibom (Dr. Willie Bassey), and Niger State (Joseph Mamman) reported harmonious working relationships. In Plateau State, Chairman Ndam Solomon created a dedicated Directorate of Support Groups—headed by Obidient Movement Coordinator Dr. Jerry Bako—to register and coordinate all support groups into a unified campaign apparatus.
