Nigerian political group OK Movement rejects merger ahead of 2027 elections
Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
- The OK Movement, supporting Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, has rejected any merger with external political organizations before the 2027 Nigerian general elections.
- The group, composed of supporters from the Obidient Movement and Kwankwasiyya, also affirmed its founder, John Ughulu, as its leader and warned against his removal.
- The movement intends to remain independent while cooperating with groups sharing similar objectives, emphasizing its grassroots structure built around Ughulu's leadership.
Ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, the OK Movement, a political platform formed to mobilize support for presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, has firmly rejected any proposed mergers with external political organizations. The group, a combination of supporters from the Obidient Movement and Kwankwasiyya, stated its decision during a national leadership summit in Abuja.
Furthermore, the OK Movement has dismissed rumors of a plot to remove its Director-General and founder, John Ughulu. The group's leadership issued a communiquรฉ emphasizing that its grassroots structure is intrinsically linked to Ughulu's leadership and credibility. They warned that any attempt to remove him or abandon the movement's independent status could lead to the collapse of its established network.
"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 communiquรฉ stated. This decision underscores the movement's commitment to maintaining its identity and momentum built at the grassroots level.
The movement's convener, Ladipo Johnson, explained that an externally imposed consolidation could disrupt ongoing programs and undermine the organization's identity. He stressed that loyalty is not just to a title but to the individual who recruited and trained the volunteers. The leadership also extended an invitation for reconciliation to Ms. Jacky Wayas, offering her a role in strategic implementation and planning.
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.
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.