The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has distanced itself from Mr Okey Ezeala, declaring that he is not the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary and does not hold any position within its leadership structure.
The party made the clarification in a public disclaimer issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq., following what it described as repeated instances of Ezeala presenting himself to party members and members of the public as a national officer of the NDC.
According to the party, Ezeala has never been elected or appointed into the office of Deputy National Publicity Secretary.
It further stated that he is not a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) or the National Working Committee (NWC), contrary to claims allegedly made by him.
The NDC said the disclaimer became necessary after receiving complaints from members across different states regarding Ezeala’s activities and representations.
The party alleged that he had been introducing himself as a senior official of the organisation and acting in a manner capable of misleading members and political stakeholders.
In the statement, the party accused Ezeala of impersonation and warned that any engagement with him on matters relating to the NDC would be at the individual’s risk.
The party further alleged that some members had reported being approached by Ezeala with promises of securing party tickets and political appointments.
According to the NDC, such promises were allegedly accompanied by requests for financial payments despite the fact that he had no authority to make such commitments on behalf of the party.
The NDC also accused him of taking steps to organise what it described as an unlawful congress in Abia State. The party claimed that the exercise led to the emergence of a parallel executive structure which it does not recognise.
Party officials maintained that Ezeala has never occupied any recognised leadership position within the NDC at the national, state or local government level.
“Mr. Okey Ezeala is not elected or appointed by any organ of our great party as deputy national publicity secretary or into our NWC or NEC as a member,” the statement said.
The party stressed that only duly elected and recognised officials are authorised to speak or act on its behalf.
It urged members to verify the identity and status of individuals claiming to represent the party before engaging in any political or financial transactions.
The NDC further warned that Ezeala lacks the authority to conduct meetings, issue directives, collect funds, negotiate political arrangements or represent the party in any official capacity.
It added that no organ of the party had mandated him to act for the organisation and that any documents, statements or commitments issued by him should not be regarded as coming from the NDC.
The party called on members across the country to remain vigilant and avoid actions capable of creating confusion within its ranks. It reaffirmed its commitment to internal discipline and adherence to its constitution.
The statement also urged anyone who may have been affected by Ezeala’s alleged activities to submit formal complaints to the office of the National Secretary for investigation and appropriate action.
NDC leaders said the disclaimer was necessary to protect members from misinformation and to preserve the integrity of the party’s structures ahead of future political activities.
The party reiterated that it remains committed to operating through recognised constitutional processes and warned against the creation of parallel structures by individuals seeking to advance personal interests under its name.