National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has criticised the activities of the OK Movement, describing its attempt to operate independently of the party as “unheard of” and “nonsensical.”

Dickson spoke while receiving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, into the NDC.

He warned support groups affiliated with the party against operating as parallel structures or competing with the party for control.

“Support groups don’t compete with the political party that is sponsoring candidates. Support groups don’t compete for supremacy or space. Support groups are what they are: support groups,” he said.

According to Dickson, the primary responsibilities of support groups are grassroots mobilisation and promoting the party and its candidates, rather than acting as political parties themselves.

“Support groups don’t play the role of a political party. They don’t sponsor candidates. They provide grassroots support, mobilisation and support. They don’t convert themselves to become critics of the political party they support,” he said.

Dickson said the NDC had deliberately created room for support groups, noting that he had held meetings with various groups, including members of the Obidient movement.

“The NDC from day one made it clear that we have a huge place, an important place, for all support groups. I’ve actually held meetings with Obidient groups,” he said.

He added that thousands of support groups could operate within the party, noting that the NDC had a dedicated department responsible for coordinating and managing them.

Dickson, however, cautioned support groups against attacking the party or establishing competing campaign structures.

“They don’t attack the political party sponsor. They don’t do that. Never in the history of political election, everywhere in the world,” he said.

He described the reported attempt by the OK Movement to establish a parallel presidential campaign structure as unacceptable.

“None of them will dare say they are setting up a campaign, presidential campaign council. It’s unheard of. Nonsensical,” Dickson said.

He said support groups could adopt different approaches in their activities, but must remain within their defined roles.

According to him, their responsibility is to mobilise at the grassroots, promote the party and its candidates, and galvanise support for them.

He urged the groups to “confine themselves to their role” by “providing support for our candidates, galvanising support at the grassroots level, propagating the candidates and the party.”