By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned support groups and members against creating parallel structures within the party, while disowning a purported Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) announced under the banner of the “OK Movement.”
According to an official statement signed by the National Chairman of the party, Senator Cleopas Moses, the publication credited to one John Ugulu announcing the PCC did not emanate from the NDC and should be disregarded by the public and the media.
The party stressed that all its candidates were products of the NDC and remained subject to the authority and discipline of the party, adding that only the party leadership had the authority to constitute and announce a Presidential Campaign Council.
It warned that no member, candidate or support group was authorised to announce, constitute or publish any campaign council, structure or organ in the name of the party without prior approval from the National Working Committee (NWC).
While acknowledging the contributions of support groups to the party’s activities, the NDC said such groups must not regard themselves as alternative party structures or parallel organs.
The party also urged members and support groups to channel their grievances through appropriate internal mechanisms rather than engaging in public attacks against the party.
The NDC said it had commenced disciplinary action against Ugulu over what it described as his “act of affront” and alleged excesses during the party’s primary election in Lagos State, as well as his repeated disregard for party authority.
The party said Ugulu had been referred to the appropriate disciplinary organ for necessary action in line with the provisions of its constitution.
The NDC, however, said it remained open to working collaboratively with support groups, stressing that it appreciated their contributions and welcomed additional groups willing to identify with its mission.
The party said it remained focused on its issue-based campaign and committed to delivering what it described as “a New Nigeria that is Possible.”
