A fierce battle for supremacy has erupted between the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and one of its largest support networks, the Obidient-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, exposing deep-seated fractures within the party’s campaign architecture.
Clash between both parties was triggered by the movement’s unveiling of a 59-member presidential campaign council, headed by John Ughulu as National Director-General and Saadatu Sani as National Secretary.
In a swift counter-attack, the NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, disowned the newly formed campaign council, urging the public to disregard it entirely and warning against unauthorized structures claiming to represent the party.
The public feud escalated on Sunday after the OK Movement rejected attempts by the NDC hierarchy to muzzle its activities, declaring that it does not require the “personal validation or approval” of any party official to run its independent structure.
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Responding to the party’s rebuke in a hard-hitting statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the National Secretary of the OK Movement, Saadatu Sani, took direct aim at the NDC National Chairman, advising him to familiarize himself with the party’s constitution before making public assertions.
Sani asserted that while the movement recognizes the statutory supremacy of political parties, it remains an independent, self-funded entity with its own internal leadership and nationwide processes.
“The OK Movement does not require the personal validation or approval of any individual before exercising its legitimate organizational functions in accordance with established processes,” Sani stated.
She emphasized that the group was established from the grassroots and operates without financial dependence on any political office holder or sponsor, adding that its support for the NDC’s presidential ticket is driven by ideology, not a quest for political appointments.
Highlighting the movement’s formidable reach, Sani disclosed that internal membership data accounts for approximately 2.5 million registered members and coordinators across the country.
“The OK Movement is not a temporary support group created for an election cycle, but an organization with a philosophy, structure, and long-term vision,” she noted.
“We speak for Nigerians who are demanding a better political system, economic opportunity, accountability, and a government that places citizens at the centre.”
The rift has also taken a personal turn following controversy surrounding the campaign council’s DG, John Ughulu, and his alleged role in the Lagos State primaries.
Sani defended Ughulu, stating that the movement would always protect its members from character assassination.
She formally demanded that the NDC National Chairman withdraw his defamatory remarks and offer an unreserved apology to both the OK Movement and Ughulu.
Reaffirming the group’s resolve to continue campaigning for the NDC presidential candidate and select party flagbearers, Sani struck a defiant note: “The OK Movement will not compromise its standards. The OK Movement will not surrender its independence. The OK Movement will not be intimidated.”
As the campaign season heats up, the high-stakes rift between the NDC leadership and the 2.5-million-strong grassroots movement threatens to derail the party’s internal cohesion and mobilization strategies ahead of the polls.