2027: Obi, Kwankwaso Supporters Reject Merger

The OK Movement, a political platform set up to mobilise support for the joint ticket of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, has ruled out any merger with an external political organisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group, which draws supporters from both the Obidient Movement and Kwankwasiyya, also rejected rumours of plans to remove its Director-General and founder, John Ughulu. It insisted that its grassroots structure was built around his leadership.

These positions were contained in a communiqué issued in Abuja and jointly signed by Convener Ladipo Johnson and National Secretary Sadaatu Sani after a national leadership summit.

The meeting brought together national leaders, coordinators, state coordinators, and local government and ward-level mobilisers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Johnson, who is also the NDC Lagos Central senatorial candidate, said the movement resolved to remain independent while remaining open to working with other groups that share similar objectives.

He warned that any externally imposed consolidation could disrupt ongoing programmes and undermine the identity and grassroots momentum the movement has built.

“The Summit resolves that the OK Movement shall remain an independent organisation and shall not be merged into or absorbed by any external political body. Independence does not mean isolation: we remain ready to coordinate closely with allied groups in pursuit of shared goals,” the communiqué stated.

The group further cautioned that removing Ughulu or abandoning its independent status could lead to the collapse of its grassroots structure.

“The Movement was built ward by ward, largely on the personal credibility of its founder with the volunteers who make up its ranks. Our loyalty is not to a title, but to the man who recruited, trained and stood with us. Should the Director-General be removed, or the Movement’s independence set aside, they have indicated that they would not continue to operate under the resulting arrangement,” Johnson said.

The leadership also invited Ms Jacky Wayas to return to the movement as Director for Strategic Implementation and Planning under the Director-General.

It appointed Prince Suleiman Abubakar as Deputy Director-General (North) following the resignation of Ambassador Muhammad Auwal Musa.After the summit, OK Movement leaders visited Kwankwaso at his Abuja residence to brief him on the outcomes.

They also met Alhaji Buba Galadima, head of the movement’s Advisory Council, who reaffirmed the importance of unity and encouraged the group to retain its independence.

Galadima cautioned against any proposal to merge the organisation into the NDC, regardless of claims that such a move would improve efficiency.

“We hold the vision of a better Nigeria in the highest esteem and remain fully committed to that cause. We ask only that the collective will of the grassroots, freely expressed, be respected,” the communiqué added.

The development comes amid broader political realignments as opposition groups explore alliances and mergers ahead of the 2027 elections in a bid to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.

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