The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has distanced itself from a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council announced by the OK Movement, a support group backing Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The NDC described the council as unauthorized, stating it did not originate from the party. NDC National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses, made the position known in a statement on Saturday.
The 59-member committee includes zonal and state coordinators, as well as directors responsible for various areas such as mobilization, women's affairs, and strategy. The OK Movement announced its Director-General, Mr. John Ughulu, and National Secretary, Saadatu Sani, as the Director-General and Secretary of the campaign council, respectively. However, Senator Moses emphasized that the party leadership was not involved in constituting the council.
Senator Moses stressed that all NDC candidates remain subject to the party's authority and discipline, not contesting as independent candidates. He warned members, candidates, and support groups against announcing or operating campaign structures in the party's name without approval from its National Working Committee (NWC). The party will continue to work with support groups, but they should not create alternative party structures or parallel organs.
The NDC chairman acknowledged the contributions of support groups but cautioned them against creating structures that could function as alternatives to recognized party organs. He urged members and support groups with grievances to use the party's internal mechanisms rather than resorting to public criticism. Senator Moses also disclosed that Mr. Ughulu would be referred to the party's disciplinary organ over alleged excesses during the primary election in Lagos State.
The warning from the NDC comes as the party prepares for upcoming elections. The party's leadership has emphasized the need for all candidates and support groups to work within the party's established structures. Senator Moses reiterated that only the party's leadership can constitute and announce a Presidential Campaign Council.
The development highlights the importance of internal party cohesion and adherence to established structures. The NDC's stance is clear: all party activities and campaign structures must be authorized and sanctioned by the party's National Working Committee. This move aims to maintain party unity and prevent potential conflicts or divisions.
The NDC's decision to disown the OK Movement's PCC and warn against parallel structures demonstrates the party's commitment to maintaining its organizational integrity. The party will continue to work with support groups, but within the bounds of its established structures and guidelines.
Key points
- The NDC party disowned the OK Movement's 59-member Presidential Campaign Council, citing lack of authorization.
