OK Movement wants apology from NDC, stands firm against threats

The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, known as the OK Movement, has called for an immediate apology from the Nigeria Democratic Congress. This demand comes after comments from the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, about its new 59-member Presidential Campaign Council.

The movement also made it clear that it will not be intimidated or give up its independence. They insist that they are an independent political group with their own leadership and processes.

Saadatu Sani, the movement’s National Secretary, shared this warning in a statement released in Abuja on Sunday.

This situation arose after the NDC decided to distance itself from the campaign council that the group introduced on Thursday. This council aims to rally support for the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In a statement on Saturday night, Cleopas said the council did not come from the party and should be ignored. He also warned that no person, candidate, or support group is allowed to create or announce a campaign structure in the party’s name without getting approval from the National Working Committee.

Sani responded on Sunday, calling Cleopas’ remarks unfortunate. She said they showed a misunderstanding of the movement’s nature and independence. Sani urged Cleopas to learn the NDC constitution before making claims about the movement's rights and responsibilities.

She stated, “The OK Movement does not engage in such politics. We will not be dragged into a politics of personal insults, intimidation or defamatory exchanges. We will continue to educate rather than abuse. We will continue to defend the principles upon which this movement was established.

“The NDC national chairman is therefore called upon to withdraw the statements considered defamatory and to tender an immediate apology to the OK Movement and to our Director General, Hon. John Ughulu.”

The movement said it respects the authority of political parties within their legal rights. They will campaign for Obi and Kwankwaso, as well as NDC candidates they choose to support across Nigeria.

But they insisted that this support does not make them a subordinate part of the party. “We will campaign for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the party. We will campaign for candidates of the NDC Party across the country where the movement has resolved to support them.

“But we do not require the personal validation or approval of any individual before exercising our legitimate organisational functions,” Sani said.

She mentioned that the movement has built a grassroots structure nationwide with an internal list of about 2.5 million registered members and coordinators.

Sani stressed that the movement is not just a temporary support group for the 2027 elections but has a long-term political vision.

The OK Movement secretary also denied claims about Ughulu’s role in the Lagos State primary. She said they welcome the chance to clarify their position.

Sani stated they will not engage in personal insults, intimidation, or defamatory exchanges. She added that they will continue to defend their members when their integrity is questioned.