The National Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Moses Cleopas, has warned support groups affiliated with the party against interfering in its statutory responsibilities, cautioning that attempts to overstep established boundaries could create unnecessary disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Cleopas gave the warning while addressing journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where he acknowledged the importance of support groups in mobilising voters, promoting candidates and expanding the party’s reach across the country.
He said the NDC remained receptive to groups working towards its electoral success but stressed that their activities must be coordinated with the party’s leadership and existing organisational structures.
According to the chairman, the party has established a Directorate of Mobilisation under the Office of the National Organising Secretary to register, coordinate and engage support groups nationwide.
NDC seeks coordinated mobilisation
Cleopas said support groups played an important role in political mobilisation, particularly as parties prepare to build grassroots networks and reach voters across different communities.
Such groups often help organise meetings, conduct outreach, promote party messages and encourage supporters to participate in the electoral process.
However, the NDC chairman stressed that their contribution should complement, rather than replace, the formal responsibilities of the party’s leadership.
He warned that failure to maintain clear boundaries could lead to competing structures, disagreements over authority and avoidable tensions within the organisation.
The proposed mobilisation directorate is intended to provide an official channel through which groups can register their activities and coordinate their efforts with the party.
Party structures face growing demands ahead of 2027
The warning comes as political parties begin strengthening their organisations ahead of the next general election.
For emerging political platforms, coordinating supporters and affiliated movements can be particularly important as they seek to establish a nationwide presence, recruit members and communicate their programmes to voters.
At the same time, disagreements over control, representation and campaign responsibilities can become a source of internal tension if party structures are not clearly defined.
Cleopas maintained that the NDC welcomed support groups and recognised their contribution, but insisted that mobilisation should operate within the party’s established framework.
The effectiveness of the arrangement will depend on how the party implements its registration and coordination process and whether affiliated groups accept the distinction between grassroots advocacy and formal party authority.
As preparations for 2027 continue, the NDC faces the dual task of expanding its support base while maintaining organisational discipline and a coherent campaign structure.