The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has distanced itself from the purported announcement of a Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) by the “OK Movement,” insisting that only the leadership of the party has the authority to constitute and unveil campaign structures for its candidates.
In a statement issued by the National Chairman of the party, Senator Cleopas Moses, the NDC said it had noted with concern a publication credited to one John Ugulu announcing a Presidential Campaign Council under the guise of the OK Movement.
The party declared that the announcement did not emanate from its leadership and should be disregarded by members of the public and the media.
“For the avoidance of doubt, 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 read.
The NDC stressed that all candidates contesting elections on its platform remain products of the party and are therefore subject to its authority, discipline and established structures.
According to the party, no member, candidate or support group is empowered to constitute or announce a Presidential Campaign Council or any other campaign organ without the approval of the National Working Committee (NWC).
The party further warned against actions capable of undermining or demarketing the party, stating that support groups must not present themselves as alternative structures or parallel organs of the organisation.
While appreciating the contributions of support groups towards the party’s activities and electoral aspirations, the NDC urged them to channel grievances through internal mechanisms rather than engaging in public attacks against the party.
The statement also announced disciplinary action against Ugulu, citing what it described as acts of affront against the party and alleged excesses during the party’s primary election in Lagos State.
“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.
The NDC disclosed that Ugulu has been referred to the appropriate disciplinary organ of the party for necessary action in line with the provisions of its constitution.
The party reiterated its commitment to an issue-based campaign and pledged to continue working with support groups that align with its vision, while maintaining party discipline and organizational cohesion ahead of future political activities.
