The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has distanced itself from the OK Movement, led by John Oghulu, declaring that the organisation is not recognised by the party.
The party’s position was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the NDC Director of New Media and Strategic Communications, Theo Abu Agada.
The declaration follows an earlier statement by a faction of the OK Movement led by Oghulu, which vowed not to surrender its organisational structure to the NDC.
Oghulu had insisted that the movement would not allow the NDC or any other organisation to take control of its national, state, local government, and ward structures.
He maintained that the OK Movement was different from conventional political support groups, describing it as an independent political organisation with its own structure and identity.
The movement’s leader also rejected the description of its decision to establish a campaign council as “nonsensical,” arguing that the initiative was within the group’s rights.
According to Oghulu, the OK Movement comprises members of different political parties who support the NDC presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The development comes amid growing disagreements over the relationship between political parties and affiliated support groups.
Recall that NDC National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, had criticised the activities of the OK Movement, arguing that support groups affiliated with political parties should not operate as rival structures.
Dickson made the remarks while receiving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, into the NDC.
The former governor stated that support groups were established to assist political parties and their candidates rather than compete with them for influence or control.
The latest position by the NDC further highlights the disagreement over the recognition, structure, and role of the OK Movement within the party’s political framework.