OK Movement Rejects Merger, Insists on Ughulu as Director-General

The OK Movement has firmly rejected any merger with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), emphasizing its commitment to remaining an independent grassroots support movement. This decision, reached at a National Leadership Summit in Abuja, also saw the unanimous endorsement of its founder, Mr. John Ughulu, as Director-General.

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the Movement was built ward by ward, largely on the personal credibility of its founder with the volunteers who make up its ranks.

The movement's leadership stated that its structures were built ward by ward, relying heavily on Ughulu's personal credibility and the dedication of its volunteers. They argued that the loyalty of grassroots mobilisers is directed towards the individual who recruited and trained them, not merely a title or organizational name.

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the loyalty of its members was “not to a title, but to the man who recruited, trained and stood with them,”

Consequently, the OK Movement declined proposals to replace Ughulu or absorb the organization into another political body. They believe such externally imposed consolidation could disrupt ongoing programs, dilute their identity among supporters, and weaken the momentum of their grassroots efforts. However, the movement clarified that its stance on independence does not preclude cooperation with political allies, stating readiness to coordinate closely with groups pursuing shared goals.

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Independence does not mean isolation: we remain ready to coordinate closely with allied groups in pursuit of shared goals.

Grassroots leaders within the movement issued a stark warning: they might withdraw their participation if Ughulu were removed or the movement's independence was compromised. The leadership characterized this warning as an honest reflection of the sentiment among their core supporters, rather than an attempt to exert pressure.

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candid assessment