The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, popularly known as the OK Movement, has rejected being described as a mere support group of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). In a statement, National Director-General Hon. John Ozyl Ughulu emphasized that the OK Movement is an independent political organisation with its own structures and internal administration. This comes after NDC leader Senator Seriake Dickson criticised the movement's activities as "unheard of" and "nonsensical".
Dickson made the comments while receiving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, into the NDC in Abuja. He warned that support groups should not establish structures competing with the party sponsoring their candidates. According to Dickson, support groups should focus on providing grassroots support, mobilisation, and not convert themselves into critics of the sponsoring party.
The OK Movement recently constituted a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council to mobilise support for NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. However, the NDC dissociated itself from the council, saying its formation did not emanate from the party. Ughulu's statement titled "Statement on the Status, Independence and Structure of the OK Movement" made it clear that the movement would resist any attempt to redefine its identity or subordinate its organisational structures to the NDC.
Ughulu agreed that the Obidient Movement is a support movement, but argued that a distinction must be made between various political organisations supporting the NDC candidates. He noted that the Coordinator of the Obidient Movement was present at the press briefing where this position was expressed, but there appears to be a missing link in the argument currently being advanced.
According to Ughulu, if the Obidient Movement and Kwankwasiyya are support movements, then it becomes necessary to properly define the identity and status of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement. The OK Movement's statement is a clear indication that it will maintain its independence and not be swayed by external pressures or attempts to redefine its role in the NDC.
The development highlights the internal dynamics within the NDC and its support groups. The party's leadership will likely need to address these concerns to maintain cohesion and clarity on the roles of various support groups. The OK Movement's insistence on its independence may have implications for the party's overall strategy and campaign efforts.
The situation remains fluid, with the OK Movement resolute in its stance. The NDC and its leadership will need to navigate these complexities to ensure a unified front in the upcoming elections. The OK Movement's decision to constitute its own Presidential Campaign Council has added a new layer of complexity to the party's campaign efforts.
Key points
- The OK Movement asserts its independence from the NDC
- NDC leader Dickson criticises OK Movement's activities
- The OK Movement forms its own Presidential Campaign Council
