OK movement demands apology from NDC, rejects intimidation

The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, commonly known as the OK Movement, has called for an immediate apology from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over remarks made by the party's National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, regarding the group's newly formed 59-member Presidential Campaign Council. The movement vehemently rejected the notion of being intimidated or surrendering its independence, reiterating that it remains a distinct political organization with its own leadership, structure, and internal processes.

Saadatu Sani, the movement's National Secretary, issued this warning in a statement released in Abuja on Sunday. The controversy arose after the NDC decided to sever ties with the campaign council unveiled by the OK Movement on Thursday to mobilize support for their presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The NDC accused the council of being a separate entity from the party and urged everyone to disregard it. In response, Sani described Cleopas' stance as unfortunate and claimed it demonstrated a misunderstanding of the movement's character and autonomy. She urged Cleopas to educate himself on the NDC constitution before making claims about the movement's rights and responsibilities.

Sani emphasized that the OK Movement would not engage in personal insults, intimidation, or defamatory exchanges, instead opting to focus on education and defending the principles upon which the movement was founded. The movement acknowledged the authority of political parties within their respective spheres and pledged to campaign for Obi and Kwankwaso, as well as NDC candidates, where they choose to support them across the country.

However, they insisted that this support does not make them a subordinate structure of the party. Sani explained that the movement had established a nationwide grassroots structure with a comprehensive internal database representing approximately 2.5 million registered members and coordinators. She stressed that the movement was not a temporary support group for the 2027 elections but an organization with a long-term political vision.

Sani further rejected allegations about Hon. John Ughulu's involvement in the Lagos State primary and expressed willingness to defend their position on the matter.