The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has stated that it will not run as a personality-driven movement or a temporary electoral tool, a position that has generated criticism from the “Obidient” movement.
Obidients are supporters of 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
The latest development follows the recent emergence of Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as the party’s flagbearers after their defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) weeks ago.
In resolutions from its second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the party leadership outlined measures to manage internal governance, discipline, and finance. The party stated that these decisions are part of an effort to build a lasting political structure that exists independently of individual ambitions.
A main point in the resolutions is the confirmation of party supremacy. The NEC stated that all programmes, policies, and government appointments made by elected officials on the party’s platform—except personal staff appointments—must involve consultation with the party structures. The leadership added that elected officials represent the party’s collective goals and should align their actions with its principles.
The NEC noted that the NDC is intended to be a permanent institution rather than an individual-centered platform used only for election cycles. It advised members, aspirants, and candidates to support the growth of the party and focus on the national interest.
To organize its operations, the NEC decided that all affiliated support groups and non-governmental organizations using the NDC name must operate under the guidance and supervision of the party, rather than maintaining independent or parallel structures. According to the party, this is meant to avoid fragmentation and maintain unified communication.
The resolutions also introduced guidelines for conduct and finances. A committee led by the National Legal Adviser has been set up to draft a Code of Conduct aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability among party officials and candidates.
Additionally, the NEC formed a National Reconciliation Committee to manage internal grievances and encourage cooperation among members. On financial matters, the party stated that all funds must be managed transparently and used strictly for party activities. It also directed candidates and aspirants to disclose all campaign contributions and sourced funds to the relevant local, state, zonal, and national organs.
The statement which was signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director and shared on the party’s official X handle, led to over a hundred quote posts from supporters who disagreed with the new directives.
One user, @EmekaNwanonye, commented:
“Dickson is being addressed as national leader of NDC out of show of respect after all we all know who the national leader is. NDC was unknown party before our national leader and his team join the party. you can’t outrightly dismiss his influence”
Another user, @fogunyankin, stated:
“Did you just call the Obidients personality cult? You want to drag campaign donations with the original SPV. Chameleons can never change their behaviour, Go and ask Abure and Apapa how destructive and disrespectful they are.”
Reflecting on the decentralized nature of the support base, @OkahEwahEdede noted:
“The Obidient Movement is decentralized, cuts across all political parties and among those not affiliated to any political party. I think the Kwankwasiya movement has a similar structure as the Obidients, so it would do you well to jettison all intentions of controlling them.”
Objecting to the guidelines on funding and organizational control, @Kruiseboi added:
“This statement is a declaration of WAR against the Obidient movement. NDC must realise they are nothing without Peter Obi & the Obidient movement. Saying all groups & NGOs shall operate under the control of the party is a joke to the Movement. No.5 says NDC is not a personality cult. What the hell does that mean? That candidates must remit all donations and funds to the party reveals the greed & pecuniary interest of @NigeriaNDCHQ. Rubbish”