The Obidient-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement has rejected criticism from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over the formation of its presidential campaign council, insisting that it has the right to organise its activities according to its own internal processes.
The movement’s National Secretary, Saadatu Sani, stated this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
Sani was responding to comments attributed to the NDC National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas, who had questioned the legitimacy of the campaign council announced by the group.
Group Defends Independence
The disagreement followed the unveiling of a 59-member presidential campaign council by the OK Movement on Thursday.
The council named John Ughulu as National Director-General and Saadatu Sani as National Secretary.
However, the NDC later issued a statement distancing itself from the council and advised members of the public to disregard the announcement.
Responding, Sani said the movement recognised the constitutional role of political parties but maintained that it remained an independent organisation with its own leadership structure.
OK Movement Says It Will Support NDC Candidates
Sani said the organisation would continue to support the NDC presidential and vice-presidential candidates, as well as other candidates where members had resolved to offer support.
She argued that the movement’s activities were guided by its internal structure and principles rather than approval from individual political figures.
“The OK Movement does not require the personal validation or approval of any individual before exercising its legitimate organisational functions in accordance with established processes,” she said.
Group Highlights Membership Structure
According to Sani, the OK Movement developed from grassroots mobilisation and was not created solely for an election period.
She said the group had established a nationwide structure, with internal records showing about 2.5 million registered members and coordinators, supported by available data.
Sani described the movement as an organisation built around political values and long-term objectives rather than a temporary campaign platform.
Response to Allegations Against Campaign Director-General
Sani also addressed questions surrounding John Ughulu, particularly allegations linked to the Lagos State primaries.
She said the matter required proper clarification and added that the movement would continue to defend members whose integrity was being questioned.
However, she said the organisation would avoid personal attacks or defamatory exchanges.
Call for Withdrawal of Alleged Defamatory Statements
The OK Movement secretary asked the NDC national chairman to withdraw statements the group considered defamatory and apologise to the organisation and Ughulu.
She maintained that the movement would continue to uphold its independence and organisational principles.
“The OK Movement will not compromise its standards. The OK Movement will not surrender its independence. The OK Movement will not be intimidated,” she said.
