The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday distanced itself from a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council announced by the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement.
The party described the structure as unauthorised and instructed the public and media to disregard it.
The OK Movement, had on Thursday, constituted a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council to mobilise support for the 2027 presidential bid of NDC flagbearer Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The council, which was unveiled in a statement signed by the movement’s National Secretary, Saadatu Sani, had John Ughulu as its Director-General, while Sani was listed among the campaign leadership.
The structure, according to the statement by the leadership of the OK Movement, was expected to operate independently of the campaign council to be constituted by the NDC, the political platform backing Obi’s presidential bid.
The NDC is yet to constitute and formally unveil its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council. The party had indicated that consultations are ongoing and that the structure will be announced after the necessary approvals.
However, in a press statement titled “Re: Purported OK Movement PCC Announcement” and signed by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses, the NDC said, “The leadership of our party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has noted with concern a publication credited to one John Ugulu announcing a Presidential Campaign Council under the guise of ‘OK Movement’.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the party wishes to state categorically as follows: The party hereby dissociates itself in totality from the said OK Movement PCC announcement.
“It did not emanate from the party and should be disregarded by the public and the media. Only the party’s leadership can constitute a PCC.”
The party stressed that all its candidates are “products of the party and remain subject to the authority and discipline of the party.”
It added that “only the party’s leadership can constitute and announce a Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).”
Related News
It warned that “no member, candidate, or support group should, under any guise, undermine the party or demarket the party.
“Henceforth, no individual or group is authorized to announce, constitute, or publish any campaign council, structure, or organ in the name of the party without prior approval from the National Working Committee (NWC).”
While appreciating support groups, the NDC cautioned them against acting as “alternative party structures or parallel organs of the party.”
“We expect a stop to unnecessary attacks against the party on whose platform our candidates are running.
“If there are any differences or grievances, support groups and members are advised to refer such matters to the party through appropriate internal channels for resolution rather than resorting to public attacks,” the statement said.
Taking a hard line against the OK Movement’s DG, the NDC announced disciplinary action against John Ughulu, citing what it called “this act of affront” and “repeated disregard for party authority.”
“For this act of affront and his excesses during the primary election in Lagos State, and for his repeated disregard for party authority, the party is constrained to enforce disciplinary measures against Mr. Ugulu.
“He is hereby referred to the appropriate disciplinary organ of the party for necessary action in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution,” the statement said.
It added that, “The party remains focused on its issue-based campaign and is committed to delivering a New Nigeria that is POssible.”
