WHERE IS THE STRUCTURE? — OK MOVEMENT QUESTIONS NDC CAMPAIGN COUNCIL LIST

The OK Movement has questioned the composition of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign council, raising concerns about the structure of the list and the roles assigned to members as political activities gather momentum ahead of upcoming elections.

The movement’s concerns centre on the need for clarity over the organisation of the campaign council, including its leadership, responsibilities and the framework through which campaign activities are expected to be coordinated.

The movement’s Director-General, John Ughulu, argued that the announcement of prominent names on a campaign council was not enough to demonstrate readiness for a nationwide election. He stressed that successful campaigns required sustained grassroots mobilisation, strategic planning and coordinated networks reaching voters at polling-unit level.

Ughulu also questioned why the NDC had waited until a few months before the election to unveil its campaign council. He claimed that many individuals named on the list could eventually turn to the OK Movement for the grassroots support and mobilisation capacity they needed.

The NDC recently named its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, as chairman of its National Campaign Council, with its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, serving as co-chairman and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as co-vice-chairman. Other appointments include former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.

The disagreement comes amid an ongoing dispute between the party and the OK Movement over campaign organisation. The NDC has previously insisted that support groups should complement the party rather than establish parallel structures, while the movement maintains that it operates independently and has its own organisational network.

The latest criticism highlights the importance of grassroots mobilisation as political parties and movements prepare for the 2027 elections. While prominent appointments can provide leadership and visibility, the ability to organise supporters, coordinate campaign activities and reach voters across communities may prove equally important.

The growing disagreement also raises questions about cooperation within the political camp supporting Obi and Kwankwaso. Whether the NDC and the OK Movement can resolve their differences could influence how effectively their respective structures work towards the 2027 electoral contest.