Rift deepens among Obi’s supporters as OK Movement attacks Obidient coordinator, NDC DG

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

A fresh rift has emerged among supporters of 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 engaging in needless political disputes rather than concentrating on grassroots mobilisation and preparations for the polls.

The movement expressed concern that, with only 76 days to the general elections, those entrusted with leadership responsibilities were allegedly devoting more attention to internal disagreements and claims about political affiliations than building structures and strengthening support for their preferred candidates.

In a statement yesterday, the United Kingdom Coordinator of the OK Movement, Adebayo Brown, criticised what he described as repeated claims by Paul, popularly known as MO, that Obi and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had dissociated themselves from the organisation.

Brown questioned the relevance of such claims to the electoral fortunes of the NDC and the broader political objectives of those seeking to mobilise Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.

“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 disagreements and political differences would not distract it from its stated commitment to democratic participation.

Brown urged Paul to concentrate on rebuilding and restructuring the Obidient Movement, arguing that the responsibility entrusted to him required sustained organisational engagement rather than involvement in what he described as unnecessary disputes.

“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, John Ozyl Ughulu, against what it described as attempts to portray his involvement in the organisation as being motivated by personal gain.

Brown described Ughulu as a successful businessman and advocate of workers’ interests who had committed considerable personal resources, time and energy to developing the movement and strengthening its activities.

“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, maintaining that his position as coordinator of the Obidient Movement did not automatically confer on him the authority to represent the views or political decisions of the two leaders.

He insisted that any claims concerning their relationship with the OK Movement should be supported by clear and verifiable communication from the individuals concerned rather than what he described as personal assertions.

Despite the exchanges, Brown denied that the OK Movement was engaged in any institutional conflict with either the Obidient Movement or the NDC, stressing that the organisations should concentrate on their shared interest in political mobilisation and credible 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 disclosed that the movement had advised Ughulu to disregard what it considered distractions and remain focused on building its structures and pursuing its stated political objectives.

According to him, the organisation would not allow disagreements with individuals to undermine its activities or divert attention from its commitment to justice, equity, fairness and credible elections.

“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.