The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dissociated itself from a purported presidential campaign council list linked to its presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso’s support group, OK Movement, warning that its candidates, groups or any individual have no power to announce the PCC list.

The NDC, in a statement on Saturday, said the PCC list for Messrs Obi and Kwankwaso announced by John Ugulu,  “did not emanate from the party and should be disregarded by the public and the media.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, the party wishes to state categorically as follows: The party hereby dissociates itself in totality from the said OK Movement PCC announcement,” the NDC said. 

“All candidates of the party must appreciate that they are not running as independent candidates. They are products of the party and remain subject to the authority and discipline of the party.

“Therefore, only the party’s leadership can constitute and announce a Presidential Campaign Council (PCC). No member, candidate, or support group should, under any guise, undermine the party or demarket the party. Henceforth, no individual or group is authorised to announce, constitute, or publish any campaign council, structure, or organ in the name of the party without prior approval from the National Working Committee (NWC),” it added.

The NDC said it deeply appreciates the contributions of all support groups and encourages their continued support, adding that it welcomes even more support groups who identify with its mission to rescue Nigeria.

“While the party will continue to work collaboratively with all support groups, such groups should not see themselves as alternative party structures or parallel organs of the party. We expect a stop to unnecessary attacks against the party on whose platform our candidates are running. 

“If there are any differences or grievances, support groups and members are advised to refer such matters to the party through appropriate internal channels for resolution rather than resorting to public attacks,” the party said.

The NDC also threatened disciplinary action against Mr Ugulu, who announced the Obi/Kwankwaso Presidential Campaign Council.

“For this act of affront and his excesses during the primary election in Lagos State, and for his repeated disregard for party authority, the party is constrained to enforce disciplinary measures against Mr Ugulu. He is hereby referred to the appropriate disciplinary organ,” the NDC said.