The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council announced by the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement for the 2027 presidential campaign of its candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The party described the structure as unauthorised and directed the public and media to disregard the announcement.
The OK Movement had on Thursday unveiled the council, naming John Ughulu as Director-General and Saadatu Sani as part of the campaign leadership. The group said the council would operate independently of the official campaign council to be constituted by the NDC.
However, the NDC said it was yet to constitute its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, with consultations and necessary approvals still ongoing.
In a statement titled “Re: Purported OK Movement PCC Announcement”, signed by National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses, the party said the announcement did not originate from its leadership.
“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 NDC stressed that its candidates remain subject to the authority and discipline of the party, warning that no individual, candidate or support group was authorised to establish campaign structures in its name without approval from the National Working Committee.
The party acknowledged the contributions of support groups but cautioned them against operating 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.
The party also announced disciplinary proceedings against Ughulu, citing “this act of affront” and what it described as “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.
The NDC said it remained focused on its issue-based campaign and its commitment to delivering “a New Nigeria that is Possible.”
