NDC Disowns OK Movement PCC, Refers Ugulu to Disciplinary Panel

• Says only NWC can constitute, announce campaign council
• Warns support groups against creating parallel structures

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dissociated itself from a purported Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) announced under the platform of the “OK Movement”, declaring that only the party’s leadership has the authority to constitute and announce its campaign council.

The party also said it had referred Mr. John Ugulu, who was credited with the announcement, to its appropriate disciplinary organ over what it described as his alleged disregard for party authority.

In a statement signed electronically by the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Cleopas Moses, yesterday, the party said the purported announcement did not emanate from its leadership and should therefore be disregarded by members of the public and the media.

The development comes as political parties and support groups intensify preparations for the 2027 general election and the NDC continues to organise its campaign structures.

The party stressed that its candidates were contesting the elections on the platform of the NDC and were therefore subject to its authority and disciplinary procedures.

“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,” the statement said.

It added that “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 constitute or announce any campaign council, structure or organ in the name of the party without prior approval from the National Working Committee (NWC).

“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,” it said.

The party, however, acknowledged the contributions of support groups working for its political objectives, saying it remained open to collaboration with such organisations.

According to the NDC, support groups identifying with its mission were welcome to continue their activities, provided they did not present themselves as alternative or parallel structures of the party.

“The party recognises and deeply appreciates the contributions of all support groups and encourages their continued support. We welcome even more support groups who identify with our mission to rescue Nigeria,” the statement added.

The NDC also appealed to members and support groups with grievances to use the party’s internal mechanisms for resolving disputes rather than making public statements that could affect the party.

Part of the statement read, “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.”

On the action against Ugulu, the party said his referral followed the purported PCC announcement as well as what it described as his conduct during the party’s primary election in Lagos State.

The NDC said it was “constrained to enforce disciplinary measures” against him and referred him to the appropriate disciplinary organ “for necessary action in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution.”

The party said it remained focused on what it described as an issue-based campaign and its objective of building what it called a “New Nigeria that is possible.”