The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, known as the OK Movement, has clashed with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over its 59-member campaign council.
The movement recently unveiled the council to mobilise support for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket. However, NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas rejected the council. He said the body did not come from the party. Cleopas also said no support group could create a campaign structure for the NDC without approval from its National Working Committee.
The OK Movement has now rejected the chairman’s position. The group said it remains an independent political organisation with its own leadership and structure. Its National Secretary, Saadatu Sani, also demanded an apology from Cleopas. She described his comments as defamatory and urged him to study the NDC constitution.
“The OK Movement does not engage in such politics. We will not be dragged into a politics of personal insults, intimidation or defamatory exchanges,” Sani said.
Meanwhile, the movement said it recognises the authority of political parties within their legal and constitutional roles. It also said it would campaign for Obi and Kwankwaso. The group plans to support NDC candidates across the country where its members agree to do so. However, Sani stressed that such support does not make the movement part of the NDC structure.
“We do not require the personal validation or approval of any individual before exercising our legitimate organisational functions,” she said.
According to Sani, the OK Movement has built a nationwide grassroots network. She said its internal database contains about 2.5 million registered members and coordinators. The group also rejected claims about its Director General, John Ughulu, and the Lagos State primary.
Sani said the movement welcomed the chance to state its position publicly. She added that the group would continue defending its members while avoiding personal attacks and abusive exchanges.
