The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has suffered a setback, just hours after securing an Appeal Court judgement restoring its registration. The party's leadership clashed with the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, a political campaign group supporting Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, the party's presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2027 general election. The conflict arose after the OK Movement unveiled a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council.
The OK Movement's national secretary, Saadatu Sani, announced the campaign council's structure, which includes zonal and state coordinators and directors overseeing critical areas of the campaign. However, the NDC leadership reacted against the move, disowning the campaign council and directing its convener, John Ugulu, to face the party's disciplinary organ. The party claimed the council was neither authorised nor constituted by its leadership.
The NDC National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses, stated that only the National Working Committee has the authority to constitute or announce a Presidential Campaign Council. The party warned members and support groups against creating or publicising structures without the approval of the NWC. It also urged members with grievances to use the party's internal mechanisms rather than resorting to public confrontation.
The NDC referred Ugulu to its disciplinary organ due to his "act of affront" and "excesses" during the party's Lagos State primary. The party reiterated its commitment to building a party based on internal discipline and an issue-driven campaign. It aims to deliver "a New Nigeria that is Possible." The OK Movement responded, stating it does not require personal validation or approval from any individual within the party.
The OK Movement's national secretary, Sani, rejected a statement credited to Senator Moses, urging him to familiarise himself with NDC's constitution. Sani maintained that the movement is an independent organisation with its leadership and internal processes. The movement will campaign for the NDC presidential and vice-presidential candidates, as well as other party candidates it supports.
Sani stated that the OK Movement was established from the grassroots and has approximately 2.5 million registered members and coordinators. The movement is not a temporary support group but an organisation with a philosophy, structure, and long-term vision. It focuses on organisational values, independence, accountability, and long-term objectives for Nigeria.
The OK Movement called on the NDC national chairman to withdraw defamatory statements and tender an apology. The movement's principles remain non-negotiable, and it will not compromise its standards or surrender its independence. This development adds to existing tensions within the party caused by allegations of candidate substitution ahead of the 2027 general election.
Key points
- The NDC's internal crisis may impact its performance in the 2027 general election.
