The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has distanced itself from a presidential campaign council established by the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement. In a statement, NDC National Chairman Sen. Moses Cleopas described the council's announcement as unauthorized and urged the public to disregard it. The council, unveiled on Thursday, comprises 59 members, including John Ugulu as Director-General and Saadatu Sani as National Secretary.
The NDC chairman emphasized that all candidates contesting elections are on the party's platform and subject to its authority and discipline. He stated that only the party leadership has the authority to constitute and announce a presidential campaign council. Cleopas warned that no individual or support group can create or publish campaign structures in the party's name without approval from the National Working Committee.
Cleopas acknowledged the contributions of support groups and encouraged their continued support for the party's objectives. However, he clarified that these groups should not consider themselves alternative structures or parallel organs of the NDC. Instead, they can collaborate with the party while respecting its authority.
The national chairman also addressed grievances within the party, urging members and support groups to use internal channels for resolution. He advised against public attacks against the party and assured that the NDC remains committed to an issue-based campaign and delivering a 'New Nigeria that is possible'.
John Ugulu, the Director-General of the OK Movement's campaign council, has been referred to the party's disciplinary organ. This decision follows his "excesses" during the party's primary election in Lagos and repeated disregard for party authority. The disciplinary process will be conducted according to the party's constitution.
The NDC's decision to reject the unauthorized campaign council highlights the party's commitment to maintaining its internal structures and authority. The party's leadership has made it clear that it will not tolerate parallel campaign structures or unauthorized announcements.
The development is significant as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. The NDC's focus on an issue-based campaign and internal discipline may impact the party's performance in the upcoming elections. The party's stance on unauthorized campaign structures also underscores its efforts to maintain cohesion and unity among its members and support groups.
Key points
- The Nigeria Democratic Congress has rejected a presidential campaign council established by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement.
- The party's leadership emphasized that only it has the authority to constitute and announce a presidential campaign council.
- John Ugulu, the Director-General of the unauthorized campaign council, has been referred to the party's disciplinary organ.
