morganable politics/elections
The NDC Chairman emphasised that all candidates of the party remain subject to its authority and internal discipline, adding that only the party’s leadership has the constitutional mandate to constitute and announce campaign structures.
KaNo—
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has distanced itself from the 59-member Presidential Campaign Council recently unveiled by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, popularly known as the OK Movement, ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that no individual or group has the authority to establish campaign structures on behalf of the party without approval.
The party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, made the clarification in a statement issued on Saturday night, days after the movement’s Director-General, John Ughulu, announced the composition of the campaign council.
Cleopas said the party viewed the development with concern and stressed that the council did not originate from the NDC, urging the public and media to disregard the announcement.
“The leadership of our party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has noted with concern a publication credited to John Ughulu announcing a Presidential Campaign Council under the guise of ‘OK Movement,’” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the party wishes to state categorically that it 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.”
NDC Emphasizes Party’s Authority
The NDC chairman emphasised that all candidates of the party remain subject to its authority and internal discipline, adding that only the party’s leadership has the constitutional mandate to constitute and announce campaign structures.
“All candidates of the party must appreciate that they are not running as independent candidates. They are products of the party and remain subject to the authority and discipline of the party,” Cleopas said.
“Therefore, only the party’s leadership can constitute and announce a Presidential Campaign Council.”
He further warned party members, candidates and support groups against actions that could undermine the party’s structure or authority, noting that any parallel arrangements would not be tolerated.
“No member, candidate, or support group should, under any guise, undermine the party or demarket the party,” he said.
“Henceforth, no individual or group is authorised 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.”
The controversy comes three days after the OK Movement announced a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council comprising coordinators across the six geopolitical zones, the Federal Capital Territory and the 36 states.
The structure also included directors overseeing key areas such as mobilisation, women affairs, strategy, security, legal affairs, information technology, grassroots engagement, procurement and administration.
Ughulu was named Director-General of the council, while the movement’s National Secretary, Saadatu Sani, was listed among top officials in the campaign leadership.
Despite acknowledging the role of support groups in mobilising grassroots backing, the NDC maintained that such groups must not operate as alternative party structures.
“The party recognises and deeply appreciates the contributions of all support groups and encourages their continued support,” Cleopas said.
“We welcome even more support groups who identify with our mission to rescue Nigeria. However, while the party will continue to work collaboratively with all support groups, such groups should not see themselves as alternative party structures or parallel organs of the party.”he added.
He also urged aggrieved members and groups to channel their concerns through internal mechanisms rather than resort to public criticism.
“We expect a stop to unnecessary attacks against the party on whose platform our candidates are running,” he said.
“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.”
NDC Announces Disciplinary Measures Against Ughulu
In a further escalation of the dispute, the party announced that it had initiated disciplinary proceedings against Ughulu over what it described as repeated acts of insubordination and disregard for party authority.
Cleopas said Ughulu’s conduct during the Lagos State primary election and the recent campaign council announcement warranted sanctions under the party’s constitution.
“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 Ughulu,” he said.
“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.”
However, Ughulu dismissed the party’s position, insisting that the OK Movement operates independently and is not subject to the control of the NDC.
Reacting to the development, he criticised the party leadership, describing the statement as insensitive and unnecessary.
“The OK Movement, just like other political groups and movements, is not under the control of the party,” he said.
“We work for the candidates, who are our principals.”
The disagreement underscores emerging tensions within the NDC and its support base as political actors begin early preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Obi Will Win Lagos-NDC
Meanwhile, the party has expressed confidence in its chances in Lagos State, predicting that its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will defeat President Bola Tinubu by a wider margin than recorded in the 2023 election.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said Obi’s victory in Lagos during the last presidential poll reflected the political reality of the state rather than a fluke.
“Obi didn’t win Lagos by magic. It was a political reality,” he said.
“The people overwhelmingly rejected the APC and their former governor who was the presidential candidate of the party.”
He added that the party was better prepared for the next election cycle and would build on lessons learned in 2023.
“In 2027, if there is a free and fair election without voter intimidation, Peter Obi will win and defeat President Bola Tinubu again by a wider margin in Lagos,” he said.
“You can take that to the bank.”
Director also raised concerns about possible voter intimidation and electoral malpractice but insisted that the party was ready to confront such challenges.
“That is why we are saying if they are sure of themselves, let us go head-to-head without the introduction of violence, inducement or irregularities,” he said.
“How can you be a master strategist but still deploy violence, corruption and intimidation? Allow a free and fair election and let’s see your strategy.”
He added that the party would not be deterred by threats or past experiences.
“We are going to beat them hands down with a wider margin in 2027 and we are prepared for their violence. We are going to counter everything they bring on,” he said.
Also speaking, the NDC candidate for Lagos Central Senatorial District, Ladipo Johnson, attributed the party’s optimism to what he described as dissatisfaction with the performance of the current administration.
“I make bold to say, by God’s grace, that Obi will win Lagos again,” he said.
“This time, it will be with a much wider margin.”
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027, the dispute between the NDC and the OK Movement highlights the growing complexity of alliances, support groups and internal party dynamics that are expected to shape the electoral landscape.
