The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has moved to stop what it described as the collection of unauthorised registration fees from support groups by some state party officials.

The development followed reports reaching the party leadership that some state chairmen had been demanding money from support groups seeking recognition and registration under the NDC.

In a directive was signed by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, obtained by our correspondent, the party declared that registration of support groups is free and does not attract any fee, warning officials against using the process to collect money.

The NDC said the Directorate of Support Groups at its National Headquarters in Abuja is solely responsible for registering support groups.

It therefore directed groups seeking registration to deal directly with the directorate, stressing that no state chapter, chairman, officer or other party official has the authority to register support groups or collect fees for the process.

The party said any official found violating the directive would face disciplinary action in line with the provisions of its constitution.

The warning is significant as the NDC continues to deepen its engagement with support groups ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly groups associated with the Obidient and Kwankwasiya movements.

The party said it valued the contribution of the groups to its political activities and would continue to provide an enabling environment for them to operate.

The NDC urged all state chapters to comply strictly with the directive and avoid actions capable of creating friction between the party and its support base.