OK Movement Insists on Independence, Retains Ughulu as DG
The Obi/Kwankwaso Movement, OK, a political support platform backing the presidential ambition of Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, has rejected any plan to merge with another political organisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The movement, which draws members and supporters from the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), also dismissed reports of an alleged move to remove its founder and Director-General, Mr John Ughulu.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a summit in Abuja and signed by the Convener, Mr Ladipo Johnson, and National Secretary, Sadaatu Sani.
According to the communiqué, the group resolved to maintain its independence while remaining open to collaboration with organisations pursuing similar political objectives.
The movement said any attempt to impose an external merger or consolidation could disrupt its ongoing programmes, weaken its identity and affect the grassroots network it has built ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The Summit resolves that the OK Movement shall remain an independent organisation and shall not be merged into, or absorbed by any external political body.
“Independence does not mean isolation – we remain ready to coordinate closely with allied groups in pursuit of shared goals,” the statement said.
The group also expressed firm support for Ughulu’s continued leadership, citing his contribution to establishing and expanding its grassroots structure.
It warned that removing the Director-General or compromising the movement’s independent status could negatively affect the organisation and potentially dismantle its ward-level structures.
The leadership said the movement had been developed from the grassroots, with Ughulu playing a central role in recruiting, training and mobilising volunteers across various wards.
“Our loyalty is not to a title, but to the man who recruited, trained and stood with us.
“Should the Director-General be removed, or the movement’s independence set aside, the members have indicated that they would not continue to operate under the resulting arrangement,” Johnson stated.
Despite the disagreement surrounding its leadership structure, the movement extended an olive branch to Ms Jacky Wayas, urging her to return to the organisation.
The leadership proposed that Wayas resume as Director for Strategic Implementation and Planning, working under the leadership of the Director-General.
