NDC unveils presidential campaign council amid internal backlash from OK Movement

NDC announces new campaign council

On 27 October 2026, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) revealed its national presidential campaign council in Abuja. The council, set up ahead of the 16 January 2027 presidential election, names Ibrahim Abdulkarim as Director‑General and Ikenna Enekweizu, the party’s National Secretary, as council secretary. NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson is set to preside over the council, with party presidential aspirant Peter Obi taking on the role of co-chairman. Vice-chairman duties will be performed by NDC National Chairman Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, while Rabiu Kwankwaso, the party's vice-presidential nominee, has been appointed as co-vice-chairman.

The roster features multiple high-ranking personalities, such as former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, who leads the National Advisory Council, alongside former Deputy Senate President Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Pat Utomi, and Buba Galadima.

Immediate backlash from the OK Movement

Shortly after the council was announced, the OK (Obi‑Kwankwaso) Movement – the grassroots organisation that has been backing Obi and Kwankwaso – launched a public attack on the NDC leadership. John Ughulu, who serves as Director-General of the OK Movement, expressed significant skepticism regarding the party's preparedness for the forthcoming general elections based on the published roster. He criticised the NDC for “dragging its feet” in mobilising electoral machinery, noting that less than three months remained until the polls.

Ughulu pointed out that the OK Movement had already completed a 59‑member Presidential Campaign Council in September, comprising zonal and state coordinators and directors for various campaign functions. According to him, the movement has already completed the substantial groundwork necessary for success, implying that NDC leaders will likely approach them for support in the near future. The OK Movement also highlighted that prominent members of its network – including Ughulu himself – were omitted from the new council, as were the movement’s state, local government and ward coordinators.

A widening rift within the party

The criticism from the OK Movement underscores a growing divide between the NDC leadership and the movement over control and strategy for Obi and Kwankwaso. Analysts say the NDC must clearly define how the supporters of the presidential and vice‑presidential candidates can influence decisions if it is to operate effectively in the run‑up to the election. The omission of OK Movement figures from the council has left the movement feeling excluded from the decision‑making process.

Why it matters

The composition of a campaign council is crucial for organising a national election campaign. The NDC’s decision to exclude key grassroots leaders could affect mobilisation at the local level, potentially weakening the party’s electoral machinery. Conversely, the OK Movement’s criticism may pressure the NDC to broaden its representation and accelerate the development of a comprehensive campaign strategy. The outcome of this internal dispute could influence the party’s performance in the 2027 presidential election.

What happens next

The sources do not provide any specific next steps or dates for further action by either the NDC or the OK Movement. The dispute remains unresolved, with the OK Movement continuing to challenge the NDC’s campaign structure and the NDC maintaining its current council composition.