Supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso under the OK Movement have rejected any plan to merge the group with another political organisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision was taken on Friday during the movement’s national leadership summit in Abuja. National leaders, state coordinators, local government officials and ward-level mobilisers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory attended the meeting. The OK Movement was established to mobilise support for the joint ticket of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. However, the group said it would maintain its independent structure while continuing to work with organisations that share its objectives.
OK Movement rejects merger
The decision was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the movement’s Convener, Ladipo Johnson, and National Secretary, Sadaatu Sani. The group said it would not merge with or be absorbed into another political organisation. According to the leadership, retaining its independence would help protect the programmes and grassroots structure it had built over time.
Johnson stressed that independence would not prevent the movement from working with other political groups. Instead, the organisation would cooperate with allies where their interests and objectives align.
“Independence does not mean isolation: we remain ready to coordinate closely with allied groups in pursuit of shared goals,” the communiqué stated.
The decision comes amid political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. Several opposition figures and groups have been exploring alliances, coalitions and mergers as they seek to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress. For the OK Movement, however, an externally imposed merger could disrupt programmes already underway. It could also weaken the identity and grassroots momentum the organisation has built.
Supporters defend Ughulu’s leadership
The summit also rejected reports of a plan to remove the movement’s Director-General and founder, John Ughulu. Johnson said Ughulu played a major role in building the organisation’s grassroots network. He added that his leadership remained important to the movement’s structure and volunteers.
According to him, the movement grew from the ward level and relied heavily on the founder’s personal relationship with its members.
“The Movement was built ward by ward, largely on the personal credibility of its founder with the volunteers who make up its ranks,” Johnson stated.
He further explained that members remained loyal to Ughulu because of his role in building and developing the organisation.
“Our loyalty is not to a title, but to the man who recruited, trained and stood with us,” he said.
The leadership warned that removing Ughulu or ending the movement’s independent status could damage its grassroots structure. It said some members had indicated that they would not continue under such an arrangement.
OK Movement seeks to resolve internal crisis
Meanwhile, the summit took steps to address some of the disagreements within the organisation. The leadership invited Jacky Wayas to return as Director for Strategic Implementation and Planning under Ughulu’s leadership. The summit also appointed Prince Suleiman Abubakar as Deputy Director-General (North), following the resignation of Ambassador Muhammad Auwal Musa.
After the summit, the OK Movement leadership visited Kwankwaso at his Abuja residence. The delegation briefed him on the outcome of the meeting and the resolutions reached by the group. The leaders also visited Buba Galadima, the head of the movement’s Advisory Council. Galadima reportedly reaffirmed the importance of unity and encouraged the organisation to retain its independent status.
He also cautioned against merging the movement into the NDC. This was despite arguments that such a merger could improve the group’s efficiency.
Movement maintains independence ahead of 2027
The latest decision comes barely one month after reports of fresh cracks within the movement. A leadership tussle had reportedly triggered accusations, counter-accusations and competing claims over control of the organisation. Despite those challenges, the OK Movement said it remained committed to its vision of a better Nigeria. It also pledged to continue working with groups that share its political objectives.
The movement maintained that its grassroots structure and independent identity should remain intact as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections. It further called for the collective will of its members to be respected, insisting that its future should not be determined by externally imposed arrangements.
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