The OK Movement has reaffirmed its independence as a political organisation, insisting that its already constituted and announced Presidential Campaign Council remains valid and operational.
This is contained in a statement signed by the National Director-General of the movement, Mr. John Ozyl Ughulu, in Abuja.
The statement stresses that the movement’s internal structure and leadership decisions did not require approval from any individual within the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
It says the Movement was an independent political organisation with its own principles, leadership and organisational framework, adding that its identity and structure were distinct from those of the NDC as a political party.
According to him, the movement recognised all candidates contesting under the NDC platform as potential beneficiaries of its grassroots mobilisation and political structure, adding that no candidate should regard himself or herself as superior to another because of political office or proximity to party leadership.
The statement adds that the movement had never claimed superiority over the NDC, noting that the party had its constitutional structures while the OK Movement maintained its own organisational framework.
It also says the movement had not depended on financial support from former Anambra governor Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, or the party to establish or operate its organisational structure.
The statement maintains that the movement’s position on its independence was communicated before the announcement of its Presidential Campaign Council.
According to the statement, the National Director-General further argues that neither the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria nor any provision of the NDC Constitution brought to the movement’s attention automatically vested exclusive authority in a political party or its candidate to determine the internal structure of an independent political organisation.
It explains that while the NDC has the right to establish and manage its own campaign structures, the OK Movement similarly had the right to organise and manage its affairs within the limits of the law.
According to the statement movement will not accept attempts to undermine, appropriate, dissolve or interfere with its leadership and organisational structure.
It, however, stresses that the position was not intended to create confrontation, but to establish clarity, institutional respect and recognition of the movement’s organisational independence.
“The OK Movement is willing to work constructively with the NDC and its candidates where their principles and structures aligned, but will not abandon its organisational identity to satisfy the preferences of any individual or group.
The statement reiterates that the movement’s structure remained as announced, while its mission remained focused on mobilising Nigerians towards what it described as a better and transformed Nigeria.
“The OK Movement remains focused, organised and committed to its mission of contributing to the rescue and transformation of Nigeria,” he states.
