Support groups reject NDC registration plan as 2027 alliance tensions grow

A disagreement has emerged between the Nigeria Democratic Congress and support groups associated with the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket over the party’s registration process for political organisations ahead of the 2027 election. The NDC said registration of support groups was the exclusive responsibility of its Directorate of Support Groups at the national headquarters in Abuja. Its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the exercise was free and warned state chapters and officials against collecting money or conducting unauthorised registrations.

Director said violations would attract disciplinary action under the party’s constitution. The announcement prompted objections from the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, whose Director-General, John Ughulu, said the movement was an independent political organisation and would not hand over its structure to the party. Ughulu argued that the movement’s internal affairs did not require approval from NDC leaders.

He said the movement would resist any attempt to undermine, appropriate, dissolve or interfere with its leadership and organisational structure, while acknowledging that all organisations remained subject to the law. The Kwankwassiya Movement took a less confrontational position. Its spokesman, Habibu Muhammed, said the dispute reflected the challenges facing a new party as it attempted to establish structures.

He called for understanding and said the different groups should be allowed to operate without unnecessary restrictions. Muhammed said the groups’ common objective was to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, but argued that support organisations retained their own principles and membership. He said the party should create an acceptable environment for groups to contribute, including people who were not NDC members.

He expressed hope that the party and movements would eventually find common ground.