Obi demands Kwankwaso's approval before NDC support groups act
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said on Thursday night’s Arise Television Prime Time interview that all support groups—including the OK Movement, Obidient Movement and Kwankwasiyya—must obtain his express approval and that of his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, before undertaking any activity. He stressed that these groups exist to support the party, not to act as the party itself, and condemned instances where a support group has begun using the nomenclature of forming a presidential campaign council without consent.
The directive matters because it seeks to centralise authority within the NDC leadership ahead of the 2027 elections, preventing fragmented or rogue campaigning that could dilute the party’s message. Groups that act without the required clearance risk being sidelined or facing internal sanctions, which could affect their ability to mobilise voters effectively.
Supporters should therefore seek clearance from both Obi and Kwankwaso before launching any initiative, especially any attempt to set up a campaign council. Observers can watch for compliance as an early indicator of whether the NDC can present a united front as the election approaches.