A controversy has erupted in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over the composition of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, and his loyalists had defected to the NDC, hoping to escape factional wars. However, a list of a 59-member PCC, allegedly with Obi's signature touch, started circulating online, triggering a crisis. The list was described as "fake and unauthorised" by the NDC, which denied authorizing any PCC.
The NDC national chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses, and the OK Movement, led by Obi and Kwankwaso, are at odds over the issue. The OK Movement had unveiled the PCC, which prompted the NDC to issue a rebuttal, disowning the list. The movement, however, insists it is an independent organization with its own leadership and structure. It justified its move, stating that it would campaign for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the NDC.
The OK Movement, which claims to have approximately 2.5 million registered members, described itself as a "long-term political movement" rather than a temporary support group. It rejected suggestions that its activities were driven by the pursuit of political appointments or positions within the party. The movement's national secretary, Saadatu Sani, signed a statement, urging the NDC chairman to familiarize himself with the party's constitution.
The NDC chairman, in a statement, had said that the information put out by one John Ugulu was not authorised and did not come from the party. He emphasized that only the party's leadership can constitute and announce a PCC. The chairman appreciated the contribution of all support groups but encouraged them to work within the party's framework.
The OK Movement fired back, insisting that it could not be intimidated. It called on the national chairman to withdraw his statements, which it considered "defamatory," and tender an immediate apology to the OK Movement and its National Director-General, John Ughulu. The movement reaffirmed its commitment to campaign for the NDC's presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
NDC chieftain and national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, waded into the matter, criticising the activities of the OK Movement. Dickson said support groups affiliated to political parties should not operate as rival structures. He described the OK Movement's actions as "nonsensical" and "unheard of."
The crisis may scuttle Obi's 2027 bid for the presidency. The disagreement has raised questions about who owns the structure, the party or the movement. The OK Movement's actions have sparked concerns about the potential for factional wars within the NDC, similar to those experienced by the Labour Party.
Key points
- The NDC has disowned a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council list allegedly created by the OK Movement.
- The OK Movement insists it is an independent organization with its own leadership and structure.
- The crisis may impact Peter Obi's 2027 presidential bid.
