Supporters of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and ex-Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have launched a new political pressure group, the Obi–Kwankwaso Movement, as permutations intensify ahead of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential primary.
The group, which announced its emergence in Abuja on Monday, said it has already established structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and has appointed state and zonal coordinators to drive its mobilization.
The National Publicity Secretary of the movement, Justin Ijeh, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja, describing the initiative as a coalition of political forces comprising the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya, the New Nigeria People’s Party, and the African Democratic Congress.
The development signals a fresh layer of realignment within the opposition coalition, amid growing uncertainty over who will clinch the ADC presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The OK Movement appears to mirror the structure and grassroots appeal of the Obidient Movement, whose organic and youth-driven mobilization reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape during the 2023 elections.
Addressing journalists, Ijeh explained that the new platform is a blend of members drawn from the Kwankwasiya, Obidient, New Nigeria People’s Party and the African Democratic Congress.
He said, “Nigeria stands at a defining crossroads. Today, as our people endure the weight of unprecedented economic hardship, the soaring cost of living, and the persistent shadow of insecurity, the Obi–Kwankwaso, OK, Movement formally unveils its national and state structures.
“This is more than a political milestone; it is the birth of a coordinated, nationwide engine for systemic reform and national rebirth. We recognize the exhaustion felt in every Nigerian household. Yet, in this moment of darkness, the OK Movement stands as a beacon of resolute hope.
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“The Movement is a home for all well-meaning Nigerians. We reject the politics of tribalism, regionalism, and religious sentiment that have long been used to keep our people divided while the nation falters.”
Ijeh further disclosed that the movement has set up a strong structure and support base across the country, while also unveiling a list of state and zonal coordinators.
“In the coming weeks, the official inauguration of our state chapters will commence across the federation. This is an open invitation to every Nigerian who believes that our current reality need not be our final destiny.
“Through solidarity, purposeful leadership, and the courage to demand better, we will prevail. The structures are set, the vision clear, the movement is here and together, we will make Nigeria OK,” he noted.
When contacted, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, confirmed that the group is working in alignment with existing Obi support structures toward a joint presidential ticket under the ADC.
“Yes, Ijeh and others are some of our people. There is no division. Both the OK Movement and The Village Boys Movement are working for the same purpose,” he said.
The emergence of the OK Movement comes amid rising tension within the ADC over the ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who recently declared his intention to contest the party’s presidential primaries.
Atiku, in a controversial interview, insisted he would not step down for any aspirant, a stance that has triggered unease among supporters of other leading figures within the coalition.
His comments have further fueled debate over the party’s likely standard-bearer, particularly following Obi’s recent decision to align with the ADC after contesting the 2023 election on the Labour Party platform.
The former vice president also dismissed the chances of other northern aspirants, stating that none matched his level of political popularity.
Among those speculated to be eyeing the ADC ticket alongside him are Kwankwaso and former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal.
The party, currently chaired by former Senate President David Mark, has also attracted other influential political figures, including ex-Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, further intensifying the contest for its presidential ticket.
Following Atiku’s remarks, the Kwankwasiyya movement rejected claims of a decline in Kwankwaso’s political influence, particularly in Kano, describing such assertions as inaccurate.
The group maintained that only Obi and Kwankwaso command genuine nationwide grassroots support, insisting their followership remains “organic” and deeply rooted across the country.
The latest development underscores the deepening contest for dominance within the opposition coalition, as various blocs position themselves ahead of the primaries.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party has distanced itself from viral social media posts urging Obi and Kwankwaso to return to its fold.
The posts, circulated on X using the party’s name and logo, had appealed to both politicians to abandon the ADC amid uncertainty over its internal dynamics. One of the posts read, “Dear @PeterObi @KwankwasoRM, our doors are open.”
However, the party’s leadership under its Interim National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, dismissed the messages as fraudulent, insisting they did not originate from its national secretariat.
The rebuttal comes amid heightened political speculation surrounding the future of both Obi and Kwankwaso, especially as the ADC coalition continues to grapple with competing ambitions and internal alignments ahead of its presidential primary.
PUNCH NEWS
