The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has ignited a fresh dispute with key allied movements after announcing the registration of support groups ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The OK Movement, led by the Director-General John Ughulu, has outrightly rejected the exercise, while the Kwankwasiyya group has called for a middle ground, according to a report by The Punch on Monday, September 28, 2026.
NDC Announces Free Registration of Support Groups
The NDC's National Publicity Secretary, Director Osa, disclosed that the registration exercise would be free of charge and warned state chapters against collecting any fees. He clarified that all registrations must be processed through the Directorate of Support Groups at the party's national headquarters in Abuja, emphasising that no state officer is authorised to handle the process.
Osa further stated that any violation of this directive would attract disciplinary action as stipulated in the party's constitution. The announcement was intended to streamline the party's support base ahead of the 2027 elections, but it has instead exposed underlying tensions within the alliance supporting the Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket.
OK Movement Rejects Registration, Citing Independence
John Ughulu, Director-General of the OK Movement, dismissed the registration exercise entirely, asserting that the movement is an independent political organisation and will not surrender its structure to the NDC. He argued that neither the Nigerian constitution nor the NDC's own constitution, as presented to the movement, grants the party authority over an independent group's internal affairs.
"The OK Movement therefore makes it clear that we will not accept any attempt by any individual or group to undermine, appropriate, dissolve or otherwise interfere with the legitimate structure and leadership of the movement," Ughulu said. He added, "We will resist every form of intimidation, coercion or attempt to undermine its legitimate organisational structure."
Kwankwasiyya Seeks Middle Ground, Cites APC Example
In contrast, the Kwankwasiyya spokesman, Habibu Muhammed, adopted a more conciliatory tone, describing the disagreements as a by-product of the NDC's early evolution as a party rather than a fundamental conflict. He urged the party leadership to create space for support groups to operate freely, pointing to how APC-aligned groups such as the City Boy Movement function independently without being required to register with the ruling party.
"The truth is that the NDC is evolving and they are trying to do things differently. That is why there are some forms of misunderstanding here and there. But I believe that at the end of the day, everybody will be on the same page," Muhammed said. He noted that many members of these groups belong to other parties but have chosen to work for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, making heavy-handed registration requirements counterproductive.
Obidient Movement Urges Focus on 2027 Victory
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, urged all parties to drop the argument and concentrate on the 2027 election. "Look, we need to do away with all these unnecessary arguments and focus on the main goal, which is to ensure that Peter Obi wins the 2027 election," he said.
Peter Obi was ratified as the NDC's presidential candidate on May 29, 2026, after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) earlier that month. The ongoing dispute over support group registration underscores the challenges facing the alliance as it seeks to build a unified front ahead of the 2027 polls.
