NDC Rejects OK Movement’s 59-Member Campaign Council, Issues Strong Warning

The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has distanced itself from a 59-member presidential campaign council announced by the OK Movement, a support group associated with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the OK Movement unveiled the 59-member committee on Thursday, with the group comprising zonal and state coordinators as well as directors responsible for mobilisation, women’s affairs, strategy, security, legal affairs and other areas.

However, NDC National Chairman Cleopas Moses, in a statement issued on Saturday, said the campaign council was not constituted by the party and should therefore be disregarded by the public and the media.

Moses stated that the NDC was not involved in the formation of the council and formally dissociated the party from the announcement.

He stressed that candidates contesting under the party’s platform are subject to its authority and discipline, noting that they are not running as independent candidates.

According to him, only the party leadership has the authority to constitute and officially announce a presidential campaign council.

Moses further warned party members, candidates and support groups against creating or operating political structures in the name of the NDC without prior approval from the National Working Committee.

He said no individual or group would be authorised to announce, establish or publish any campaign council, structure or organ on behalf of the party without the necessary approval.

The NDC chairman acknowledged the contributions of support groups to the party’s activities but urged them not to regard themselves as alternative or parallel structures of the party.

Moses also called on members and support groups with grievances to make use of the party’s internal mechanisms rather than resorting to public criticism or attacks.