The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, also known as the OK Movement, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) are at odds over a recently unveiled 59-member presidential campaign council. The council was set up to mobilize support for the party's 2027 presidential ticket. The NDC national chairman, Moses Cleopas, rejected the council, stating that it did not emanate from the party and warning that no support group was authorized to constitute or announce a campaign structure in the party's name without approval from its National Working Committee.
The OK Movement has responded to the NDC's position, insisting that it remains an independent political organization with its own leadership, structure, and internal processes. The movement's national secretary, Saadatu Sani, described Cleopas' position as unfortunate, reflecting a misunderstanding of the movement's character and independence. Sani urged Cleopas to familiarize himself with the NDC constitution before making assertions about the rights and responsibilities of the movement.
The OK Movement demanded an immediate apology from Cleopas over what it described as defamatory statements. Sani stated that the movement would not engage in personal insults, intimidation, or defamatory exchanges, but would continue to educate and defend the principles upon which the movement was established. The movement also called on Cleopas to withdraw the statements considered defamatory and to tender an immediate apology to the OK Movement and its Director General, Hon. John Ughulu.
The OK Movement recognizes the supremacy of political parties within their constitutional and statutory spheres and will campaign for Obi and Kwankwaso, as well as NDC candidates that it resolves to support across the country. However, the movement insisted that such support does not make it a subordinate structure of the party. According to Sani, the movement has developed a nationwide grassroots structure with an internal database representing approximately 2.5 million registered members and coordinators.
The OK Movement secretary emphasized that the movement is not a temporary support group created for the 2027 elections but an organization with a long-term political vision. Sani rejected allegations concerning Ughulu's involvement in the Lagos State primary and welcomed the opportunity to put their position on record. The movement will continue to defend its members when their integrity is questioned.
The dispute between the OK Movement and the NDC highlights the complexities of political alliances and campaign structures in Nigeria. The OK Movement's insistence on its independence and the NDC's demand for control over campaign structures reflect the challenges of building coalitions and mobilizing support for elections. The situation will likely continue to unfold as the 2027 presidential election approaches.
The OK Movement and the NDC will likely continue to engage in discussions and negotiations to resolve their differences. The outcome of these discussions will have implications for the 2027 presidential election and the future of political alliances in Nigeria. The situation will be closely watched by political analysts and stakeholders as it continues to evolve.
Key points
- The OK Movement and NDC are at odds over a 59-member presidential campaign council.
- The OK Movement insists on its independence, while the NDC demands control over campaign structures.
- The dispute highlights the complexities of political alliances and campaign structures in Nigeria.
