OK Movement accuses NDC and Obidients of fuelling rift in Obi camp
- The OK Movement's UK coordinator, Adebayo Brown, accused NDC campaign and Obidient leaders of chasing disputes instead of mobilising voters.
- The row centres on claims that Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso had cut ties with the OK Movement.
- The NDC campaign and the Obidient Movement both called the matter a distraction from the 2027 campaign.
A fresh row has broken out among groups backing Peter Obi's 2027 presidential bid, with the OK Movement accusing leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign council and the Obidient Movement of fuelling division instead of preparing for the polls.
The OK Movement's coordinator in the United Kingdom, Adebayo Brown, made the accusation in a statement on Tuesday. It followed repeated claims that Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, had dissociated themselves from the OK Movement.
Brown named the Obidient Movement's coordinator, Moses Paul, and the NDC campaign's director-general, Ibrahim Abdulkarim, saying their attention had shifted to the OK Movement's national director-general, John Ughulu, rather than their own duties.
He said the two appointees "appear more interested in political disputes than in the responsibilities of their offices."
What the row is about
Vanguard reported that the trouble dates back to last month, when the OK Movement unveiled its own presidential campaign council. The NDC rejected the composition, arguing that support groups should back the party and its candidates rather than act like a party.
The OK Movement pushed back, saying it had a mandate to work for the election of Obi and Kwankwaso in 2027.
Brown questioned why Paul keeps repeating that the two men have distanced themselves from the movement. "How does this constant repetition of such claims contribute to the success of the party or the democratic aspirations of Nigerians?" he asked.
He also said the Obidient Movement's coordinator cannot speak for Obi or Kwankwaso on his own, and that such positions should come through clear and verifiable communication.
Brown defended Ughulu, describing him as a successful businessman and advocate of workers' interests who had put his own resources, time and energy into building the movement. He said Ughulu's commitment should not be painted as a pursuit of personal gain.
Despite the exchanges, Brown said the OK Movement does not regard the Obidient Movement or the NDC as enemies. "We have a common democratic challenge ahead," he said, urging the groups to focus on mobilising Nigerians and credible elections in 2027.
How the other camps responded
The NDC campaign council's spokesperson, Constance Ikokwu, dismissed the statement as a distraction. "We're heavily focused on the campaign right now. We don't need unnecessary distractions," she said.
Paul's media aide, Chidi Iloamaeke, said Paul is not a member of the OK Movement and is concentrating on his work as global coordinator of the Obidient Movement, including mobilising support for Obi.
He urged eligible voters to come out in large numbers for Obi in 2027.
The sources differ on some details. Vanguard and The Sun call the NDC the Nigeria Democratic Congress, while The Nation used National Democratic Congress. The outlets also spell Ughulu's name differently.
What happens next: With the 2027 general elections approaching, the groups say they want to move past the quarrel. Whether they work together or keep trading statements will shape how strong the Obi camp looks to voters.
