The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has disowned a purported Presidential Campaign Council announced under the name of “OK Movement,” saying the structure did not emanate from the party and should be disregarded by the public.
The party, in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses, said the leadership had taken note of a publication credited to one John Ugulu announcing the campaign council.
The NDC said only the party’s leadership has the authority to constitute and announce its Presidential Campaign Council and warned members, candidates and support groups against creating structures in the name of the party without prior approval.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the party wishes to state categorically that 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,” the statement said.
The party stressed that its candidates were contesting elections on the platform of the NDC and, therefore, remained subject to the authority and discipline of the party.
It said: “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. Therefore, only the party’s leadership can constitute and announce a Presidential Campaign Council.”
The NDC consequently directed that no individual, candidate or support group should 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).
The party, however, acknowledged the contributions of support groups to its political activities and encouraged them to continue mobilising support for its mission.
“We welcome even more support groups who identify with our mission to rescue Nigeria,” the statement said.
While acknowledging the importance of the groups, the NDC cautioned them against presenting themselves as alternative structures or parallel organs of the party.
The party also urged members and support groups to stop what it described as unnecessary public attacks against the NDC, stressing that disagreements should be handled through the party’s internal mechanisms.
“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,” it said.
The party further announced disciplinary action against Ugulu, citing what it described as his conduct during the party’s primary election in Lagos State 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,” the statement said.
According to the NDC, Ugulu has been referred to the appropriate disciplinary organ of the party for necessary action in accordance with the provisions of the party’s constitution.
The party said it remained focused on its issue-based campaign and reiterated its commitment to its political agenda for the country.
It said the NDC would continue working with legitimate support groups while maintaining the distinction between such groups and the formal structures of the party.
“The party remains focused on its issue-based campaign and is committed to delivering a New Nigeria that is Possible,” the statement added.
