The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has distanced itself from the faction of the OK Movement associated with John Oghulu, saying the group does not represent the movement recognised by the party.
The party’s Director of New Media and Strategic Communications, Theo Abu Agada, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The clarification came after Oghulu-led members of the OK Movement rejected suggestions that the organisation should hand over its political structures to the NDC.
Oghulu had maintained that the movement would retain its structures at the national, state, local government and ward levels, arguing that it was an independent political organisation rather than an ordinary support group.
He also opposed the characterisation of the movement’s decision to create a campaign council as “nonsensical.”
According to Oghulu, the OK Movement brings together individuals from different political parties who are backing the NDC’s presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The development followed comments by NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, who had raised concerns about the activities of political support groups affiliated with the party.
Dickson made the remarks while receiving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, into the NDC.
The former Bayelsa State governor said organisations established to support political parties should complement their activities rather than create structures that could rival the parties themselves.
He explained that support organisations were expected to assist parties and their candidates by mobilising voters, strengthening grassroots engagement and promoting their political programmes ahead of elections.
Dickson also stated that the NDC remained open to working with additional support groups willing to contribute to the party’s electoral efforts.
However, responding to Oghulu’s position, Agada alleged that the faction associated with him was acting contrary to the interests of the NDC and the Obidient Movement.
The NDC spokesman said the group referred to by Oghulu was the same organisation Dickson had cautioned against in his earlier remarks.
Agada further explained that the OK Movement recognised by the NDC has continued to cooperate with the party as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He stated that the statement attributed to Oghulu was not approved by the OK Movement known to the party.
“The OK Movement that we recognise did not authorise the statement being circulated,” Agada said in a post on X.
He added that the recognised movement had been actively involved in mobilisation efforts for the NDC across different parts of Nigeria and remained committed to working with the party.
According to him, Oghulu’s position should not be interpreted as the official stance of the OK Movement supporting the NDC.
Agada further alleged that Oghulu’s actions were contrary to the interests of both the NDC and the wider Obidient political movement.
He said the individual responsible for the disputed statement was the same person Dickson referenced in his earlier warning about support groups whose activities could conflict with the party’s structure.
The disagreement has introduced another layer to the ongoing discussions within the NDC over the role, responsibilities and organisational boundaries of support groups ahead of the 2027 elections.
