OK Movement: We don’t need anyone’s approval, replies NDC

The Obidient-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement has made it clear that it does not need anyone from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to approve its activities. They say they will continue their work according to their established rules.

The National Secretary of the OK Movement, Saadatu Sani, shared this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State, are the presidential and vice-presidential candidates from the NDC.

Sani rejected a comment from the NDC’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas. She advised him to understand the NDC’s constitution before making such statements.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the OK Movement announced a 59-member presidential campaign council on Thursday. John Ughulu will serve as the national director-general and Sani as the national secretary.

However, the NDC issued a statement on Saturday, distancing itself from this campaign council. They asked the public to ignore it.

Sani said the OK Movement respects the importance of political parties but insists it is an independent group with its own leadership and rules.

She emphasized that the movement would support the NDC’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates as well as other candidates from the party, where they have agreed to do so.

“The OK Movement does not need anyone’s approval to carry out its legal functions,” she stated.

Sani pointed out that the movement grew from the grassroots and does not rely on funds from any politician or government official for its activities.

She also said the OK Movement is not looking for political positions in the NDC as a condition for support, adding that their guiding values remain strong.

Sani revealed that the movement has built a nationwide structure, with about 2.5 million registered members and coordinators, based on solid data.

She mentioned that the OK Movement is not just a temporary group for elections. It has a clear philosophy, structure, and long-term goals.

“We represent Nigerians who want a better political system, job opportunities, accountability, and a government that prioritizes citizens,” she added.

Sani also addressed claims about Ughulu and his supposed role in the Lagos State primaries, stating that this needed clarification.

She assured that the movement would defend its members whenever their integrity is questioned. They will not engage in personal attacks or insults.

Sani urged the NDC chairman to retract what she called defamatory statements and apologize to the OK Movement and Mr. Ughulu.

“The OK Movement will not lower its standards. The OK Movement will not give up its independence. The OK Movement will not be intimidated,” she concluded.

Sani stressed that the movement’s principles are not up for negotiation, focusing on values like independence, accountability, and long-term goals for Nigeria.