ABUJA — The National Leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned state chairmen and other party officials against collecting registration fees from support groups, insisting that the process is entirely free.
The party said any official found violating the directive would face disciplinary action in accordance with its constitution.
The warning followed reports that some state chairmen were allegedly demanding payments from support groups seeking formal registration with the party.
In a statement issued on Friday, the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the party had received complaints about the alleged practice and reiterated that the registration of support groups was the exclusive responsibility of its Directorate of Support Groups at the national headquarters in Abuja.
According to the statement, the registration process does not attract any fee, and no state chapter, officer or party official has the authority to register support groups or collect money for the exercise under any circumstances.
The party consequently directed all state chapters to comply strictly with the directive, warning that any breach would attract appropriate sanctions.
“All State Chapters of the party are hereby directed to be properly guided and to comply strictly with this directive,” the statement said.
“Any violation of this directive will attract appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the constitution of the party.”
The directive also outlines the procedure for support groups seeking formal recognition within the party. All enquiries and registration applications must be submitted directly to the Directorate of Support Groups at the NDC national headquarters in Abuja.
The party further reaffirmed its commitment to working with support organizations, particularly the Obidient and Kwankwasiya Movements, which it identified as important partners in its political activities.
It said it would continue to provide an enabling environment for the groups to participate in its activities and electoral efforts at all levels.
The development comes as political parties and their affiliated support organizations continue preparations for the 2027 general elections. The NDC’s directive places responsibility for registering support groups firmly at the national level, while warning state officials against unauthorized collections.
The party urged its state chapters to observe the directive and called on support groups to use the designated national channel for registration and related enquiries.
