OK Movement cautions NDC, Obidients against fuelling division in Obi camp

The United Kingdom Coordinator of the OK Movement, Adebayo Brown, on Tuesday accused leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council and the Obidient Movement of encouraging divisions among groups associated with Peter Obi’s 2027 presidential ambition.

Brown urged the leaders to stop what he described as unnecessary political disputes and focus on mobilising Nigerians, strengthening grassroots structures and preparing for the 2027 general elections.

The warning followed a disagreement over claims that Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, had dissociated themselves from the OK Movement.

The dispute has drawn reactions from the NDC Presidential Campaign Council and Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Moses Paul, with both dismissing the controversy as a distraction from the campaign and the task of mobilising voters for Obi.

In a statement made available to PUNCH Online, Brown urged Paul to concentrate on rebuilding the group, strengthening its grassroots structures and coordinating supporters rather than engaging in public disagreements with the OK Movement.

He argued that the approaching elections required strategic planning, effective coordination and grassroots mobilisation, warning that internal disputes could undermine efforts to rally Nigerians behind the opposition’s presidential candidate.

He said, “Two appointments have been given to individuals who now appear more interested in political disputes than in the responsibilities of their offices: one as Coordinator of the Obidient Movement and another as Director General of the NDC Campaign (Ibrahim Abdulkarim).

“Unfortunately, rather than concentrating on these critical responsibilities, their attention appears to be directed towards the National Director General of the OK Movement, John Ughulu.

“With only 76 days to the general elections, one would expect serious-minded leaders to be preoccupied with building structures, strengthening grassroots engagement, and preparing for the enormous responsibility of electoral mobilisation. Instead, Dr MO (Paul) continues to make claims that Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso have dissociated themselves from the OK Movement.”

Brown also challenged Paul to clarify the basis of claims about Obi and Kwankwaso’s relationship with their leaders, arguing that the Obidient Movement coordinator could not unilaterally speak for the two politicians.

He said, “The Coordinator of the Obidient Movement does not automatically speak for Peter Obi, nor can he unilaterally determine or represent his interests and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. Such positions should be established through clear and verifiable communication, not personal assertions.”

Despite the disagreement, Brown said the OK Movement did not consider either the Obidient Movement or the NDC an enemy, urging the groups to focus on their shared democratic objectives ahead of the elections.

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“For the avoidance of doubt, the OK Movement and the Obidient Movement are not enemies. Neither are we in conflict with the NDC. We have a common democratic challenge ahead, and the priority should be mobilising Nigerians, strengthening political structures, and working towards credible elections in 2027,” he said.

Brown also defended the National Director-General of the OK Movement, John Ughulu, against what he described as attempts to undermine his commitment to the organisation.

He said, “We recognise and respect the tenacity, capacity, and integrity of Hon. John Ughulu, National Director-General of the OK Movement, who has made significant sacrifices to build the movement into what it is today.

“His commitment should not be misrepresented as a pursuit of personal gain.

Brown urged Ughulu to ignore the controversy and remain focused on strengthening the OK Movement and contributing to what he described as the defence of Nigeria’s democracy.

However, the Spokesperson for the NDC Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Constance Ikokwu, dismissed his statement as a distraction, saying the campaign was focused on its immediate priorities.

“We’re heavily focused on the campaign right now. We don’t need unnecessary distractions,” she told our correspondent.

Also reacting, Paul’s media aide, Chidi Iloamaeke, said the Obidients coordinator was not a member of the OK Movement and was focused on his responsibilities within the organisation.

In an exclusive telephone interview with PUNCH Online on Tuesday, Iloamaeke said Paul’s position as global coordinator required him to concentrate on the activities of the Obidient Movement and mobilise support for Obi’s presidential ambition.

“Dr Mo is not a member of the OK Movement. His office as the global coordinator of the Obidient Movement allows him to concentrate on the activities of the Obidient Movement as well as delivering the people’s mandate of ensuring that Peter Obi becomes the president of Nigeria come 2027,” he said.

Iloamaeke urged eligible voters to turn out in large numbers to vote for Obi in the 2027 election.

“He wants to use this opportunity to urge well-meaning Nigerians to ensure they come out in their numbers to vote for Mr. Peter Obi,” he added.