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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
A fresh rift has emerged among supporters of the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the OK Movement accusing the coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Moses Paul, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Ibrahim Abdulkarim, of joblessness and lack of leadership capacity.
The movement alleged that the two officials had been distracted by political disputes instead of concentrating on building structures and mobilising support for the 2027 elections, describing the development as particularly troubling with only 76 days to the polls.
In a statement on Tuesday, the UK Coordinator of the OK Movement, Adebayo Brown, criticised what he described as repeated claims by Paul, popularly known as MO, that Obi and the former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had dissociated themselves from the OK Movement.
Brown questioned the relevance of the claims to the electoral fortunes of the NDC and the democratic aspirations of Nigerians.
“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, MO continues to make claims that HE Peter Obi and HE 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?” he asked.
The OK Movement maintained that its strength was rooted in its ideology, principles and core values, insisting that personal animosity and division would not deter it from contributing to the defence of Nigeria’s democracy.
Brown urged Paul to focus on rebuilding and restructuring the Obidient Movement, arguing that the ongoing disagreements offered an opportunity for him to demonstrate leadership and organisational competence.
“MO should concentrate on the mandate entrusted to him: rebuilding, revitalising, and restructuring the Obidient Movement. This is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, capacity, and organisational competence.
“The task deserves his full attention, not a diversion into unnecessary personal and political disagreements,” he said.
The movement also defended its National Director-General, Hon. John Ozyl Ughulu, against what it described as attempts to misrepresent his commitment to the organisation as a pursuit of personal gain.
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Brown described Ughulu as a successful businessman and an advocate of workers’ interests who had invested considerable personal resources, time and energy in building the movement.
“It is important to make one thing absolutely clear: Hon. John Ozyl Ughulu is a successful businessman and a committed advocate of workers’ interests. 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 organisation built around principles and a collective vision, not the personal ambitions of any individual,” he said.
Brown further challenged Paul’s authority to speak on behalf of Obi and Kwankwaso, insisting that the Obidient Movement coordinator did not automatically represent the interests or positions of the two political leaders.
He said any claims concerning their relationship with the OK Movement should be established through clear and verifiable communication rather than personal assertions.
However, the OK Movement denied being in conflict with either the Obidient Movement or the NDC, insisting that the three organisations shared a common democratic challenge ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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 mobilising Nigerians, strengthening political structures, and working towards credible elections in 2027,” Brown said.
He said the movement had advised Ughulu to disregard the alleged distractions and remain focused on building its structures and contributing to the defence 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,” he added.
