The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially distanced itself from a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council recently unveiled by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement (OK Movement) in preparation for the 2027 general elections. The party emphasized that no individual, candidate, or support group has the authority to form or announce campaign structures using the party's name without explicit approval from its National Working Committee (NWC).

Party Leadership Responds to Unauthorized Announcement

The statement was issued by NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, following the release of the campaign council list by the movement’s Director-General, John Ughulu.

Chairman Cleopas stressed that all party candidates are bound by party discipline and cannot operate as independents. He clarified that the official campaign council can only be constituted and announced by the leadership of the party. Consequently, the public and media have been advised to disregard the announcement made by the OK Movement. 

Furthermore, the party issued a stern warning to all members and support groups against creating parallel structures or taking actions that could undermine the party's authority and electoral standing.

Structure of the OK Movement Council

The newly announced campaign council by the OK Movement features a comprehensive nationwide setup designed to oversee various aspects of the upcoming election cycle.

The structure includes:

• Leadership: John Ughulu serving as Director-General and Saadatu Sani as National Secretary.

• Geographical Coverage: Coordinators spanning the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and all six geopolitical zones.

• Specialized Directorates: Dedicated teams covering grassroots mobilization, women's affairs, legal affairs, security and intelligence, strategy and planning, information technology, procurement, contact and engagement, special duties, and administration.

While the NDC acknowledged and praised the dedication of support groups working to rescue Nigeria, it firmly maintained that these groups function as allies rather than alternative party organs.

Internal Grievances and Disciplinary Action

In addition to addressing the unauthorized campaign council, the NDC leadership urged members and support groups to utilize internal grievance resolution mechanisms instead of airing differences through public attacks.

The party also announced formal disciplinary measures against John Ughulu. According to Chairman Cleopas, this action stems from Ughulu's repeated disregard for party authority and his actions during the Lagos State primary election. He has been referred to the party's disciplinary committee for review.

The OK Movement's Defense

Reacting to the developments, John Ughulu dismissed the chairman's stance as insensitive. Speaking on behalf of the OK Movement, he asserted that the support group operates independently of the party structure and maintains that its loyalty lies directly with the political principals and candidates rather than party directives.