The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has disowned the faction of the OK Movement led by John Oghulu, declaring that it is not recognised by the party.
The party made its position known in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of New Media and Strategic Communications, Theo Abu Agada.
The development followed a recent statement by Oghulu, in which he said the OK Movement would not hand over its structures to the NDC ahead of the 2027 general election.
Oghulu had maintained that the movement was an independent political organisation and would retain its structures across the national, state, local government and ward levels.
He also rejected the description of the movement’s decision to establish a campaign council as “nonsensical,” arguing that the organisation consisted of members from different political parties who support the NDC presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The controversy comes after NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, criticised the activities of support groups affiliated with political parties, warning that such groups should not operate as rival structures.
Dickson had said support groups were established to complement political parties and their candidates rather than compete with them for influence or control.
He said such organisations should concentrate on grassroots mobilisation, promoting the party and its candidates, and building support ahead of elections.
According to Dickson, the NDC had created room for different support groups and remained open to working with others willing to support the party.
Reacting to Oghulu’s position, however, Agada said the faction led by him was not the OK Movement recognised by the NDC.
“The OK Movement that we know did not authorise this statement,” Agada wrote on X.
“The OK Movement that has been driving mobilisation for the NDC across Nigeria is working closely with the party.”
He further identified Oghulu as the individual Dickson had referred to in his earlier remarks.
“The John Oghulu who authored this statement that you are circulating is the one the National Leader was referring to in the video that is circulating on social media.
“He is working against the NDC and the Obidient Movement,” Agada stated.
The NDC spokesperson maintained that the recognised OK Movement was collaborating with the party as part of efforts towards the 2027 election, while distancing the party from the position attributed to Oghulu.
