Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s support groups face a new test inside the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as the party brings their political structures under one platform.
The issue came into focus after NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, said he does not belong to either group. “I’m not a member of Kwankwasiyya. I’m not a member of Obedient. I am NDC,” he said on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday.
The Obidient movement supports Obi, while Kwankwasiyya remains closely associated with Kwankwaso, particularly across Kano and other parts of northern Nigeria.
Obi and Kwankwaso joined the NDC in May after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Obi then secured the presidential ticket, while Kwankwaso became his running mate.
Dickson said the two groups can maintain their separate identities while their principals contest under the same platform. “Kwankwasiyya has a right to be on its own under the constitution, and same for the Obedient group. Their principals are our candidates, presidential candidate and running-mate,” he said.
With the ticket settled, Dickson said the party must turn its attention to the contest ahead. “There are no internal battles to fight in the NDC. We have decided candidature. The next stage of the battle, strategically, is to win the election,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dickson has met Obi, Kwankwaso and other senior leaders as the party works on its campaign council and nationwide activities.
Their political relationship also predates the current alliance. Dickson said the three men have met and worked together at different points in their careers. “We have been colleagues, partners and friends, sometimes in the same camp, in the same party, other times, but always meeting,” he said.
The party has also worked on its electoral structures across the states. Kwankwaso recently coordinated the submission of its candidates in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Dickson has urged stakeholders to close ranks as the platform moves towards the polls. “We have a partnership that is committed to winning the next elections. That is the most important thing,” he said.
