OK Movement Rejects NDC Merger, Retains Ughulu As Director-General
The grassroots support movement says it will remain independent while working with political allies, as opposition groups position themselves ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
The national leadership of the OK Movement has rejected proposals to merge the organisation with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), resolving instead to retain its independent identity and founder John Ughulu as Director-General.
The decision was reached at the movement’s National Leadership Summit in Abuja, attended by leaders from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The summit unanimously endorsed Ughulu to continue leading the organisation, with the leadership saying its grassroots structures had been built around his credibility and personal relationships with volunteers.
The development comes amid efforts by opposition groups to strengthen their structures ahead of the 2027 general elections through alliances, mergers and the consolidation of grassroots organisations.
Movement Says Grassroots Structures Depend On Ughulu
In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the summit, the movement said Ughulu’s continued leadership reflected the way its grassroots organisation had developed.
“The Movement was built ward by ward, largely on the personal credibility of its founder with the volunteers who make up its ranks,” it said.
The organisation said members’ loyalty was “not to a title, but to the man who recruited, trained and stood with them”, arguing that grassroots support could not simply be transferred through organisational titles or structures.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Tinubu Orders Forensic Audit Of Federal Government Systems
The leadership therefore rejected any proposal to replace Ughulu as Director-General.
It also said state, local government and ward leaders had warned that they could withdraw from the movement if Ughulu was removed or its independence compromised.
The leadership described the warning as an assessment of sentiment within its grassroots structures rather than an attempt to influence negotiations over the movement’s future.
OK Movement Rejects Absorption Into NDC
The movement said it would neither merge with nor be absorbed by another political organisation.
It argued that externally imposed consolidation could disrupt ongoing programmes, weaken the identity recognised by supporters and undermine the momentum developed through its grassroots structures.
However, the leadership stressed that maintaining independence would not prevent cooperation with political allies.
“Independence does not mean isolation: we remain ready to coordinate closely with allied groups in pursuit of shared goals,” it said.
The movement said its position was intended to preserve its organisational identity and grassroots network while allowing broader cooperation among opposition forces.
Leadership Changes And Stakeholder Visits
The summit also invited Jacky Wayas to return to the organisation as Director for Strategic Implementation and Planning, a position she previously held.
The leadership said her contribution remained valued and that her return would support efforts to promote unity within the movement.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: NPC Chairman Aminu Yusuf Dies Less Than A Year After Appointment
Prince Suleiman Abubakar was appointed Deputy Director-General (North) following the resignation of Ambassador Muhammad Auwal Musa. The organisation thanked Auwal Musa for his service and wished him well.
Following the summit, the national leadership visited former Kano State governor and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso at his residence to brief him on the deliberations and the movement’s position on its future.
The delegation also met Alhaji Buba Galadima, head of the movement’s Advisory Council.
According to the communiqué, Galadima stressed the importance of unity and encouraged the OK Movement to remain an independent support organisation. He also cautioned against a merger with the NDC, regardless of arguments that such a move could improve efficiency.
The OK Movement said it remained committed to mobilising Nigerians around its stated objective of building a better Nigeria.
It appealed to stakeholders to respect what it described as the collective decision of its grassroots members at the national summit.
The communiqué was endorsed by national officers, with the signatures of the six geopolitical zonal coordinators and 37 state coordinators contained in an attached annexure, according to the movement.
