Obi-Kwankwaso Movement rejects merger, warns against removal of DG

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (Agency Report) — The OK Movement, a political platform mobilising support for Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has ruled out any merger with external political groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The movement, which brings together supporters drawn from the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), also rejected an alleged plot to remove its Director-General and founder, Mr John Ughulu.

The group insisted that its nationwide grassroots structure was built around Ughulu’s leadership and warned that any attempt to remove him or compromise the movement’s independence could threaten its continued existence.

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The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after a summit in Abuja and jointly signed by the Convener, Mr Ladipo Johnson, and the National Secretary, Sadaatu Sani.

The communiqué said the movement had resolved to remain an independent organisation while continuing to work and coordinate with other groups pursuing similar political objectives.

It warned that any externally imposed merger or consolidation could disrupt programmes already underway and undermine the identity and grassroots momentum built by the movement.

“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 leadership said its decision to retain Ughulu as Director-General was based on his role in building the organisation’s grassroots network across the country.

According to the movement, its structure was built ward by ward through volunteers recruited and mobilised under the leadership of its founder.

The group warned that the removal of Ughulu or any attempt to surrender the movement’s independence 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, the members have indicated that they would not continue to operate under the resulting arrangement,” Johnson said.

The leadership, however, extended an olive branch to Ms Jacky Wayas, inviting her to return to the movement as Director of Strategic Implementation and Planning under the leadership of the Director-General.

The development comes as political groups and support movements aligned with Obi and Kwankwaso continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The OK Movement said it remains committed to strengthening its grassroots mobilisation structure while collaborating with allied organisations in pursuit of its political objectives.

(NAN)