The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has distanced itself from a purported Presidential Campaign Council announced by the OK Movement. In a statement signed by National Chairman Senator Cleopas Moses, the party described the structure as unauthorised and without its approval. The NDC stressed that its candidates contest elections on the party's platform and are subject to its authority and discipline. The party also referred the leader of the OK Movement, John Ugulu, to its disciplinary organ for alleged excesses during the Lagos State primary and repeated disregard for party authority.
According to the NDC, only its leadership has the authority to constitute and announce a Presidential Campaign Council. The party warned members, candidates, and support groups against creating or publicising structures in the party's name without approval from the National Working Committee. The NDC, however, recognised the contributions of support groups and would continue to welcome groups aligned with its political objectives, provided they operate within their designated role.
The NDC also called on members and support groups with complaints or disagreements to use the party's internal mechanisms rather than attacking the party publicly. The party expects a stop to unnecessary attacks against it, and members are advised to refer grievances to the party through internal channels for resolution. This development comes against the backdrop of recent legal developments involving the NDC's registration.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja recently upheld the registration of the NDC, overturning a Federal High Court judgment that had set aside an earlier order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party. The appellate court's 2–1 majority decision held that the Federal High Court in Lokoja was wrong to revisit its earlier final judgment ordering INEC to register the NDC.
The dispute arose after INEC initially refused to register the party, prompting the NDC to approach the Federal High Court in Lokoja. On December 10, 2025, the court ordered INEC to register the party. The judgment was later challenged after the Peace Movement Party (PMP) raised concerns over the similarity between its logo and that of the NDC.
The NDC appealed the decision, arguing that the Federal High Court could not reopen its final judgment in the manner it had done and that PMP, as an unregistered political association, lacked the standing to seek such an order. The Court of Appeal majority agreed with the NDC on the central issue, holding that a trial court cannot sit on appeal over its own final judgment, except in limited circumstances.
The NDC's disciplinary action against John Ugulu follows his conduct, which the party described as an affront, and his excesses during the primary election in Lagos State. The party is enforcing disciplinary measures against Ugulu, referring him to the appropriate disciplinary organ for necessary action in line with the provisions of the party's constitution.
Key points
- The NDC has distanced itself from the OK Movement's Presidential Campaign Council announcement.
- The party has referred John Ugulu to its disciplinary organ for alleged excesses.
- The Court of Appeal has upheld the NDC's registration, overturning a Federal High Court judgment.
