A sharp division has emerged within support groups backing the 2027 presidential ambition of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The United Kingdom Coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, Adebayo Brown, has strongly rejected claims that Obi and Kwankwaso have dissociated themselves from the OK group. He faulted leaders of both the Obidient Movement and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for allegedly making divisive statements rather than focusing on campaign organization.
In a statement made available to journalists, Brown criticized the leadership of the Obidient Movement and the NDC for shifting attention away from grassroots structure-building to engage in political attacks against the OK Movement’s National Director-General, John Ozyl Ughulu.
“Ordinarily, one would expect people entrusted with such responsibilities to demonstrate a sense of urgency, focusing their energy on organising, mobilising and campaigning for the party’s candidates,” Brown stated. “How does this constant repetition of such claims contribute to the success of the party or the democratic aspirations of Nigerians?”
He firmly dismissed the authority of the Obidient Movement’s leadership to speak on behalf of the presidential candidate and his running mate.
“The Coordinator of the Obidient Movement does not automatically speak for HE Peter Obi, nor can he unilaterally determine or represent the interests of HE Peter Obi and HE Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Such positions should be established through clear and verifiable communication, not personal assertions,” he added.
Brown defended Ughulu as a dedicated leader, successful businessman, and advocate for workers’ rights who has invested substantial personal resources, time, and energy to build the movement across Nigeria and in the diaspora.
He rejected insinuations that Ughulu’s role is driven by personal ambition.
“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,” Brown clarified.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, Brown clarified that the OK Movement does not view the Obidient Movement or the NDC as adversaries, emphasizing that all aligned groups face a common political objective ahead of the 2027 general 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.
Brown stated that the OK Movement has advised Ughulu to disregard internal squabbles and maintain focus on expanding grassroots coverage.
“The OK Movement will not be distracted, intimidated, or defined by the opinions of individuals. The time for division is over. The time to work is now,” he concluded.
