As campaigns begin ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement has warned the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Campaign Council and the Obidient Movement against causing friction within the camp of Peter Obi.
Last month, tension erupted between the party leadership and the support group after the OK Movement unveiled its own presidential campaign council, a move the party promptly rejected.
The NDC maintained that support groups should limit their roles to backing the party and its candidates rather than assuming the functions of a political party.
In response, the OK Movement insisted it has a direct mandate to ensure Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are elected in 2027, creating strained relations between the factions.
Reacting to the ongoing friction, the United Kingdom Coordinator of the OK Movement, Adebayo Brown, on Tuesday accused leaders of the NDC Presidential Campaign Council and the Obidient Movement of stoking divisions among groups backing Obi’s 2027 ambition.
Brown urged the leaders to drop unnecessary political disputes and focus on mobilizing Nigerians, strengthening grassroots structures, and preparing for the general elections.
Specifically, Brown accused the Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Moses Paul, and the Director-General of the NDC campaign, Mallam Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim, of allowing personal disagreements to distract them from their responsibilities.
He argued that the two men should concentrate on rebuilding political structures, grassroots mobilization, and campaigning for the party’s candidates instead of engaging in petty disputes.
Expressing concern over the continued targeting of the National Director-General of the OK Movement, Hon. John Ozyl Ughulu, Brown questioned the frequency of claims by the Obidient Movement Coordinator that Obi and Kwankwaso have dissociated themselves from the OK Movement.
The statement, titled *”Joblessness, Oblessness, and Lack of Leadership Capacity,”* reads in part:
“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.
“Ordinarily, one would expect people entrusted with such responsibilities to demonstrate a sense of urgency, focusing their energy on organizing, mobilizing, and campaigning for the party’s candidates. With the 2027 general elections approaching, the task ahead demands strategic thinking, effective coordination, and grassroots mobilization.
“Unfortunately, rather than concentrating on these critical responsibilities, their attention appears to be directed toward the National Director General of the OK Movement, Hon. John Ozyl Ughulu.
“With the general elections drawing closer, one would expect serious-minded leaders to be preoccupied with building structures and preparing for the enormous responsibility of electoral mobilization. Instead, the Obidient Movement Coordinator continues to claim that H.E. Peter Obi and H.E. Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have dissociated themselves from the OK Movement.
“The question is simple: how does this constant repetition of such claims contribute to the success of the party or the democratic aspirations of Nigerians?
“The strength of the OK Movement is rooted in its ideology, principles, and core values—not in the approval of individuals or the political positions they occupy.
“The Obidient Movement Coordinator should concentrate on the mandate entrusted to him: rebuilding, revitalizing, and restructuring the movement. This is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and organizational competence. The task deserves his full attention, not a diversion into unnecessary personal and political disagreements.
“We recognize and respect the tenacity, capacity, and integrity of Hon. John Ozyl Ughulu, who has made significant sacrifices to build the OK Movement into what it is today.
“The journey has not been easy. He has invested considerable personal resources, time, energy, and commitment. In the face of challenges, he has continued to stand for justice, equity, fairness, and the principles upon which the movement was established.
“It is important to make one thing absolutely clear: Hon. John Ozyl Ughulu is a successful businessman and a committed advocate. His commitment to the movement should not be misrepresented as a pursuit of personal gain.
“Those who appear uncomfortable with his independence must understand that the OK Movement is an organization built around principles and a collective vision, not the personal ambitions of any individual.
“Furthermore, the Coordinator of the Obidient Movement does not automatically speak for H.E. Peter Obi, nor can he unilaterally determine or represent the interests of Obi and Senator Kwankwaso. Such positions should be established through clear and verifiable communication, not personal assertions.”
Warning that the divisive rhetoric must stop, Brown added: “For the avoidance of doubt, the OK Movement and the Obidient Movement are not enemies. Neither is the OK Movement in conflict with the NDC. We have a common democratic challenge ahead, and the priority should be mobilizing Nigerians, strengthening political structures, and working toward credible elections in 2027.
“Nigeria is bigger than any individual, and the struggle for democracy is greater than personal disagreements.
“We have advised Hon. John Ozyl Ughulu to disregard these distractions and remain focused on building the OK Movement, strengthening its structures, and contributing meaningfully to the defense of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The OK Movement will not be distracted, intimidated, or defined by the opinions of individuals. Our commitment remains justice, equity, fairness, credible elections, and a better Nigeria. The time for division is over. The time to work is now.”
**ENDS**
