The OK Movement has reaffirmed its independence from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), stating that its internal structure and leadership decisions do not require the approval of the party or any individual leader. In a statement signed by its National Director-General, Hon. John Ozyl Ughulu, the movement declared that its position on its presidential campaign structure remains unchanged. The OK Movement's declaration comes amid an apparent disagreement over the respective organisational roles of the NDC and the OK Movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The OK Movement stressed that it recognised all candidates contesting under the NDC platform as potential beneficiaries of its grassroots mobilisation and political structure. The movement argued that no candidate should consider himself or herself superior to another because of political position, office or proximity to party leadership. It also rejected any suggestion that it had claimed superiority over the NDC, maintaining that the two organisations were distinct with different principles, values, leadership and organisational frameworks.
According to the OK Movement, its position on its independence had been communicated before the announcement of its Presidential Campaign Council. The movement argued that neither the Nigerian Constitution nor the NDC constitution automatically vested exclusive authority in a political party or its candidate to determine the internal organisational structure of an independent political organisation. The OK Movement's statement was released amid reports of a disagreement between the movement and the NDC over their respective roles in the upcoming elections.
The OK Movement consequently warned against any attempt to “undermine, appropriate, dissolve or otherwise interfere” with what it described as its legitimate structure and leadership. However, the movement said its position was not about confrontation but about “clarity, institutional respect and the protection of organisational independence.” The OK Movement expressed its willingness to engage constructively with the NDC, provided its principles, values and organisational structures were respected.
The OK Movement's statement also noted that it did not require financial support from NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, or the party to establish or operate its organisational structure. The movement emphasised that it remained an independent political organisation with its own principles, values, leadership and organisational mechanisms. The OK Movement's declaration is seen as a significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
The disagreement between the OK Movement and the NDC is not the only recent development in Nigerian politics. Other political parties and movements have also been making preparations for the upcoming elections. The OK Movement's focus on its independence and organisational structure reflects the complexities of Nigerian politics, where alliances and relationships between different parties and movements can be fluid and subject to change.
The OK Movement said it remained focused and organised as it pursued its stated mission of contributing to the rescue and transformation of Nigeria. The movement's leaders have expressed confidence in their ability to mobilise Nigerians towards a better and transformed Nigeria. With its presidential campaign structure in place, the OK Movement is set to play a significant role in the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- The OK Movement has reaffirmed its independence from the NDC.
- The movement's presidential campaign structure remains unchanged.
- The OK Movement is willing to engage constructively with the NDC.
