The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement has stated that it operates independently, without financial support from Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), or the party itself. According to John Ughulu, the Director General of the movement, their structure is based on established principles and values, allowing them to manage their affairs autonomously. This clarification comes amid a disagreement between the NDC and the OK Movement over the latter's announcement of a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council.
Ughulu emphasized that the OK Movement's leadership and structure do not require approval from the NDC leadership or Obi. The movement's model is designed to prevent dependence on Obi, his running mate, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, or the NDC for funding. Ughulu also insisted that the Presidential Campaign Council launched by the movement remains valid and operational, despite opposition from some NDC leaders.
The disagreement between the NDC and the OK Movement began after the party announced the commencement of registration of support groups ahead of the 2027 elections. The NDC's National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, stated that the registration is free and exclusively handled by the party's Directorate of Support Groups at the national headquarters in Abuja. Director warned that no state chapter, officer, or official of the party is authorized to register support groups or collect money for the exercise.
Ughulu argued that the OK Movement is an independent political organization, and its structure and leadership do not require the approval of the NDC leadership. He noted that the movement has its own principles, leadership, and organizational framework, which are separate from the NDC's constitutional structures. Ughulu also stated that neither the Nigerian Constitution nor the NDC constitution vests authority over the internal structure of an independent political organization like the OK Movement.
The OK Movement's Director General further clarified that the movement has never claimed superiority over the NDC. He emphasized that the party and the movement are separate entities with different structures and goals. Ughulu also vowed that the movement would not allow its structure to be undermined or dissolved, stressing that its position is not intended to create a confrontation with the party.
Ughulu expressed the movement's willingness to engage constructively with the NDC if the party chooses to work with the principles, values, and structures of the OK Movement. However, he emphasized that the movement cannot abandon its principles or organizational identity to satisfy the ambitions or preferences of any individual or group. Ughulu concluded that the meaning of "independent" is straightforward, and both the NDC and the OK Movement have the right to constitute and manage their own campaign structures.
The development highlights the ongoing tensions between the NDC and the OK Movement, which have been at odds over issues of structure and funding. The OK Movement's assertion of independence is seen as a significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. The NDC and the OK Movement will likely continue to navigate their relationship in the coming months, as they prepare for the elections.
Key points
- The OK Movement operates independently, without financial support from Peter Obi or the NDC.
- The movement's structure and leadership do not require approval from the NDC leadership or Obi.
- The OK Movement and the NDC have been at odds over issues of structure and funding, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two entities.
