The Nigeria Democratic Congress has moved to shut down what it described as an unauthorised revenue channel within its state structures, warning party chairmen and officials against demanding money from support groups seeking recognition.
The directive, obtained by our correspondent, came after the national leadership received reports that some state chairmen had been asking support groups to pay fees before they could be registered with the party.
In a statement signed by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party made it clear that registration of support groups is free, and that no state chapter has the authority to impose charges for the process.
The party said the responsibility for registering and recognising support groups rests exclusively with the Directorate of Support Groups at the NDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
It consequently directed all groups seeking affiliation or formal recognition to deal directly with the national directorate.
“No state chapter, chairman, officer or any other party official” is authorised to register support groups or collect money for the process, the party said.
The leadership warned that any official found circumventing the directive would face disciplinary action in accordance with the party’s constitution.
The development comes as the NDC works to bring its expanding network of support organisations under a more coordinated structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The issue has assumed greater importance following recent tensions over the relationship between the party and some support movements backing its presidential ticket.
The NDC has repeatedly said support groups, including the Obidient and Kwankwasiya movements, are important to its mobilisation efforts but must operate within the framework of the party. The party’s national leadership has also insisted that support organisations cannot create structures that operate independently of the NDC.
The latest directive therefore places the national Directorate of Support Groups at the centre of the party’s recognition process, effectively removing state officials from the authority to approve or charge groups seeking registration.
The NDC said it valued the role of support groups in its political activities and would continue to provide an enabling environment for them to participate in its mobilisation and campaign programmes.
It urged all state chapters to comply strictly with the directive, warning that actions capable of creating distrust or friction between the party and its growing support base would not be tolerated.
The move comes only days after the party gave its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, greater latitude in nominating key officials for the 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, while insisting on central oversight of campaign finances.