OK Movement warns NDC and Obidients against causing division in Obi's camp

The UK Coordinator of the OK Movement, Adebayo Brown, accused leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council and the Obidient Movement of creating divisions among supporters of Peter Obi’s 2027 presidential ambition. He called on these leaders to stop what he called unnecessary political fights and focus on mobilising Nigerians, building grassroots structures, and preparing for the 2027 elections.

This warning came after a disagreement about claims that Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, had distanced themselves from the OK Movement. The dispute has led to reactions from the NDC Presidential Campaign Council and the Obidient Movement coordinator, Dr Moses Paul. Both groups dismissed the drama as a distraction from the campaign and their goal of mobilising voters for Obi.

In a statement sent to PUNCH Online, Brown urged Paul to focus on rebuilding the group, strengthening grassroots structures, and coordinating supporters instead of arguing publicly with the OK Movement. He said that the upcoming elections need careful planning, effective coordination, and grassroots mobilising. He warned that internal disagreements could hurt efforts to unite Nigerians behind the opposition’s presidential candidate.

He stated, "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)."

Brown added, "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 just 76 days to the general elections, Brown expected serious leaders to focus on building structures and engaging grassroots supporters. Instead, he said, Dr MO (Paul) continues to make claims that Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso have distanced themselves from the OK Movement.

Brown also challenged Paul to explain the basis of his claims about Obi and Kwankwaso’s relationship with their leaders. He argued that the Obidient Movement coordinator could not speak for the two politicians on his own. 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 does not see the Obidient Movement or the NDC as enemies. He urged both groups to focus on their shared democratic goals ahead of the elections. He said, "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."

Brown defended the National Director-General of the OK Movement, John Ughulu, against what he called 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."

He added, "His commitment should not be misrepresented as a pursuit of personal gain."

Brown urged Ughulu to ignore the controversy and stay focused on strengthening the OK Movement. He also mentioned contributing to defending Nigeria’s democracy.

On the other hand, the spokesperson for the NDC Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Constance Ikokwu, dismissed Brown's statement as a distraction. She said the campaign is focused on its important tasks right now. "We’re heavily focused on the campaign right now. We don’t need unnecessary distractions," she told our correspondent.

Paul’s media aide, Chidi Iloamaeke, also responded. He said the Obidients coordinator is not a member of the OK Movement and is focused on his duties within his group. In a phone interview with PUNCH Online, Iloamaeke said that Paul’s role as global coordinator requires him to focus on the Obidient Movement’s activities and support Obi’s presidential ambition.

He said, "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."

Iloamaeke also urged eligible voters to come out in large numbers to vote for Obi in the 2027 election. He added, "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."