Obi Disowns OK Movement’s Campaign Council, Says It Was Formed Without His Approval

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has rejected the 59-member presidential campaign council announced by the Obidient-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, declaring that the structure was established without his knowledge or approval.

Obi made his position known on Thursday during an appearance on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television, where he insisted that support groups must operate within their mandate rather than assume the responsibilities of the political party.

The former Anambra State governor explained that the NDC remains the political platform for himself, his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and their supporters, while the OK Movement, Obidient groups and Kwankwasiyya are support organisations.

“OK Movement, Obidient group, Kwankwasiyya, and other support groups are supporting groups. They must play their role as support groups, supporting the party,” Obi said.

The controversy began on September 17, when the OK Movement unveiled its campaign council to mobilise support for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council named the movement’s Director-General, John Ughulu, as its head, while National Secretary Saadatu Sani was appointed secretary. Other members included zonal and state coordinators and directors overseeing mobilisation, strategy, women’s affairs, security and legal matters.

However, NDC National Chairman Cleopas Moses subsequently disowned the council, maintaining that only the party leadership had the authority to establish and announce its official presidential campaign structure.

Responding to the party’s position, Sani defended the movement’s independence, insisting that it did not require the personal approval of any NDC official to carry out its organisational activities.

“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.

“They should not play the role of the party. We’ve found a situation where one of the supporting groups is using the nomenclature, that is forming Presidential Campaign Council. It shouldn’t be. No.”

Asked whether he had authorised the formation of the council, Obi responded:
“Not at all. And I say it here, it is wrong. You are supporting — OK Movement is Obi and Kwankwaso. So whatever you do must have express approval of both of us.”

NDC National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson also criticised the establishment of the council, arguing that support groups should concentrate on grassroots mobilisation rather than create structures that compete with the political party.

The disagreement has brought renewed attention to the relationship between the NDC and its affiliated support groups as preparations continue for the 2027 presidential election.