The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed its state chapters to stop collecting fees from support groups seeking registration with the party. The party declared that NDC support group registration is free and does not attract any payment.
The directive followed reports that some state chairmen were allegedly demanding money from support groups. The party said the registration process is handled exclusively by its Directorate of Support Groups at the national headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Friday, NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director warned state chapters against registering support groups or collecting money from them. He said all groups seeking registration must deal directly with the national directorate.
NDC Declares Support Group Registration Free
The NDC said support group registration does not attract any fee. It also clarified that state chapters have no authority to impose charges on groups seeking recognition.
“The registration of support groups is free. It does not attract any fee whatsoever,” Director said. The statement was issued in Abuja amid increased political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party said the national Directorate of Support Groups remains responsible for the registration process. It therefore directed groups to channel their inquiries and applications to the designated directorate.
The directive comes as political parties continue to strengthen their structures ahead of the 2027 elections. The NDC has also been expanding its campaign structure ahead of the next general election.
State Chapters Barred From Registering Support Groups
The NDC said no state chapter, chairman, officer or other party official is authorised to register support groups. It also warned that such officials cannot collect money for registration under any guise.
According to the party, the national directorate is the only body responsible for the process. State chapters have therefore been directed to refer registration requests to the national headquarters.
“All State Chapters of the party are hereby directed to be properly guided and to comply strictly with this directive,” Director said. The party said the directive was intended to ensure that its registration process is followed uniformly across the country.
The warning also comes amid increased political mobilisation across several states. Recent political activity in Enugu has included campaigns and grassroots mobilisation ahead of local and national elections.
NDC Threatens Disciplinary Action
The party warned that officials who violate the directive will face disciplinary action. It said sanctions would be imposed in line with the provisions of its constitution.
The warning applies to state chapters and individual party officials. It covers both unauthorised registration and the collection of money from support groups.
The NDC did not announce a specific monetary penalty for officials who breach the directive. Instead, it referred to disciplinary measures under the party’s constitution.
The directive places the national Directorate of Support Groups at the centre of the registration process. The party’s wider political activities have also included efforts to organise grassroots structures ahead of 2027.
Party Acknowledges Role of Support Groups
Despite the warning, the NDC said it values the contribution of support groups. The party specifically mentioned the Obidient and Kwankwasiya movements in its statement.
Director said the party would continue to provide an enabling environment for support groups to participate in its activities. He added that the groups could continue working toward the party’s objectives at different levels.
The party therefore distinguished between its support for the groups and the registration process. While it welcomed their participation, it insisted that registration must follow the approved national procedure.
The development comes as support organisations play an increasingly visible role in political mobilisation. Peter Obi’s supporters have also been involved in grassroots political activities across the country.
Directive Comes Ahead of 2027 Elections
The NDC issued the directive as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections. Support groups are expected to remain involved in mobilisation and other campaign-related activities.
The party said its support groups remain important to its political activities. However, the latest directive places their formal registration under the control of the national structure.
The NDC’s position also comes amid broader discussions about opposition coordination ahead of 2027. Political actors have continued to discuss possible opposition arrangements ahead of the presidential election.
Such discussions have increased attention on the structures supporting different political movements. The latest directive provides the NDC’s stated position on how groups seeking formal registration should proceed.
Support Groups Directed to National Headquarters
Groups seeking registration have been directed to the Directorate of Support Groups in Abuja. The party said inquiries should also be sent to the same directorate.
The arrangement means support groups should not rely on state chairmen or other local party officials for registration. The NDC said doing so could lead to unauthorised payments or registration outside its approved process.
The party also warned groups against paying individuals who claim to have authority to register them. Its statement made clear that no state official has such authority under the current directive.
The clarification comes as political organisations prepare for increased mobilisation. Recent discussions have also focused on the role of young Nigerians in political participation.
NDC Says It Wants Stronger Relationship With Support Groups
The party said its directive should not be interpreted as a rejection of support groups. Instead, it said the groups remain important partners in its political activities.
According to Director, the NDC values the support and partnership of groups working with the party. He said the party would continue creating an environment for them to contribute to its activities.
The statement specifically referenced the Obidient and Kwankwasiya movements. Both movements have featured prominently in political discussions surrounding the NDC’s activities ahead of 2027.
The party’s position is that support groups can continue their activities while following the prescribed registration process. Other political groups have also been organising support and mobilisation structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
NDC Seeks Compliance From State Chapters
The NDC has therefore directed every state chapter to comply with the latest instruction. State officials are expected to refer support groups to the national Directorate of Support Groups.
The party said registration fees should not be collected under any circumstance. It also warned that officials who ignore the directive could face disciplinary proceedings.
The development creates a clear distinction between state-level political activities and national registration authority. According to the party, state chapters can support mobilisation but cannot register support groups or charge them for registration.
The directive also seeks to prevent unauthorised financial demands from support organisations. Political parties and electoral stakeholders have continued to prepare for upcoming elections and related mobilisation activities.
Support Groups Remain Part of NDC’s Political Structure
The NDC said support groups would continue to have a role within its political activities. However, their formal recognition must now go through the designated national directorate.
The party did not announce any change to its relationship with existing support organisations. Instead, it focused its latest warning on registration and the collection of fees.
Director urged state chapters to understand and follow the directive. He said compliance would help prevent actions that could create friction between the party and its support base.
The directive also comes amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections. The wider opposition debate has included calls for stronger coordination among political movements.
What the NDC Directive Means
Under the new directive, NDC support group registration is free. The process is also exclusively handled by the Directorate of Support Groups at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
State chapters cannot register support groups or collect money for their registration. The party has also warned that officials who violate the directive could face disciplinary action under its constitution.
Support groups seeking registration have therefore been directed to contact the national directorate. The NDC said this arrangement would provide a clear process for groups seeking formal recognition.
The party also reaffirmed its willingness to work with support organisations. The NDC’s political activities have continued to attract attention as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
For now, the directive places responsibility for support group registration firmly at the national level. State chapters and individual officials have been warned against collecting registration fees.
The NDC said support groups remain valued partners in its political activities. However, it maintained that all registration inquiries and applications must go through the approved national channel.
The party’s latest position also reinforces its warning against unauthorised financial collections. Recent political developments have continued to place emphasis on party structures, mobilisation and electoral organisation.
