The Obidient-Kwankwaso Movement has rejected the Nigeria Democratic Congress’ disavowal of its 59-member Presidential Campaign Council, insisting that it operates independently of the party’s formal structure.
The movement’s National Secretary, Saadatu Sani, stated this in Abuja on Sunday, September 20, 2026, while responding to NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas.
The row followed the movement’s unveiling of the council on Thursday, September 17, to coordinate mobilization for the NDC presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections.
John Ughulu was named Director-General, with Sani as secretary. The council also includes zonal and state coordinators and directors overseeing mobilization, women’s affairs, strategy, security and legal affairs.
But the NDC disowned the structure on Saturday, September 19, saying it was unauthorized and urging the public and media to disregard it.
Cleopas said only the party leadership could constitute and announce a presidential campaign council, warning support groups against creating or publicising structures in the NDC’s name without National Working Committee approval.
He said support groups could work with the party but must not operate parallel structures. He also said Ughulu would be referred to the appropriate disciplinary organ over alleged conduct during the Lagos State primary and disregard for party authority.
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Responding, Sani urged Cleopas to familiarize himself with the NDC constitution, saying the OK Movement recognised the party’s constitutional role but retained its own leadership and internal processes.
She said the movement would continue to campaign for Obi, Kwankwaso and other NDC candidates it had resolved to support, stressing that it did not require the approval of any individual party official to conduct its activities.
Sani said the movement was grassroots-based, independent of political sponsorship and not seeking NDC appointments as a condition for its support.
She claimed that it had about 2.5 million registered members and coordinators nationwide and described it as a long-term organization with its own philosophy and objectives.
On the allegations involving Ughulu and the Lagos primary, Sani said the matter required clarification and pledged to defend members whose integrity was questioned.
She called on Cleopas to withdraw statements the movement considered defamatory and apologise to the organization and Ughulu.
Sani reaffirmed that the OK Movement would maintain its independence and continue its mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections.