The Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement has rejected the Nigeria Democratic Congress’ (NDC) position that it required the party’s approval to constitute a 59-member presidential campaign council for the 2027 election.
The movement, which supports the NDC presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, said it remains an independent organisation with its own leadership, structure and internal processes.
Its National Secretary, Saadatu Sani, made the position known in a statement on Sunday, following the NDC’s rejection of the campaign council the group unveiled on Thursday, under which its Director-General, John Ughulu, was appointed Director-General of the campaign council, with Sani named as its secretary.
The 59-member structure also includes zonal and state coordinators and directors responsible for mobilisation, women’s affairs, strategy, security and legal affairs. NDC National Chairman, Cleopas Moses, had dissociated the party from the council and called on the public to disregard it, maintaining that only the party leadership could constitute and announce a presidential campaign council.
He had warned support groups against creating structures in the party’s name without approval from the National Working Committee.
Sani Says Movement Needs No Individual’s Approval
Responding, Sani called on the NDC chairman to familiarise himself with the party’s constitution, arguing that the movement’s independence means it does not require the personal validation of any individual within the party to carry out its organisational activities.
“The OK Movement does not require the personal validation or approval of any individual before exercising its legitimate organisational functions in accordance with established processes,” she said.
He added that the movement recognises the authority of political parties within their constitutional and statutory spheres but maintains it is not an organ of the NDC.
She said the movement would continue to mobilise support for Obi and Kwankwaso, as well as other NDC candidates it has resolved to support, insisting it is not seeking political appointments or positions within the NDC as a condition for its support.
On the controversy involving Ughulu and allegations relating to the Lagos State primary, Sani said the matter required clarification and that the movement would defend its members where their integrity is questioned, though it would not engage in personal insults or defamatory exchanges.
The OK Movement consequently demanded that Moses withdraw statements it considers defamatory and apologise to the group and Ughulu, while reaffirming its independence as it continues mobilisation ahead of the 2027 election.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
