Supporters of Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have launched a new political pressure group, the Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, as horse trading intensifies over who emerges as the standard bearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The group, which announced its emergence in Abuja on Monday, said it had established structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside the appointment of state and zonal coordinators to drive its mobilisation.
The National Publicity Secretary of the movement, Justin Ijeh, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja, describing the initiative as a coalition of political forces comprising the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the ADC.
The development signals a fresh layer of realignment within the opposition coalition, amid growing uncertainty over who will fly the ADC flag in the 2027 presidential election.
The emergence of the OK Movement comes against the backdrop of rising tension within the ADC over the ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has not hidden his determination to clinch the ticket of the ADC.
Atiku, in a controversial interview, insisted he would not step down for any aspirant, a stance that has triggered unease among supporters of other leading figures within the coalition.
The former vice president also dismissed the chances of other northern aspirants, stating that no politician in the region matches his level of political popularity. Following Atiku’s remarks, the Kwankwasiyya movement rejected claims of a decline in Kwankwaso’s political influence, particularly in Kano, describing such assertions as inaccurate.
The group maintained that only Obi and Kwankwaso command genuine nationwide grassroots support, insisting their followership remains “organic” and deeply rooted across the country.
Among those speculated to be eyeing the ADC ticket alongside him are Obi, Kwankwaso, former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal.
The OK Movement appears to mirror the structure and grassroots appeal of the Obidient Movement, whose organic and youth-driven mobilisation reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape during the 2023 elections.
Addressing journalists, Ijeh described the new platform as a blend of members drawn from the Kwankwasiya, Obidients, NNPP and the ADC.
He said, “Nigeria stands at a defining crossroads. Today, as our people endure the weight of unprecedented economic hardship, the soaring cost of living, and the persistent shadow of insecurity, the Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement formally announces the unveiling of its national and state structures.
“This is more than a political milestone; it is the birth of a coordinated, nationwide engine for systemic reform and national rebirth.
“We recognise the exhaustion felt in every Nigerian household. Yet, in this moment of darkness, the OK Movement stands as a beacon of resolute hope.
“The movement is a home for all well-meaning Nigerians. We reject the politics of tribalism, regionalism, and religious sentiment that have long been used to keep our people divided while the nation falters.”
Ijeh further disclosed that the movement has set up a strong structure and support base across the country, while also unveiling a list of state and zonal coordinators.
“In the coming weeks, the official inauguration of our state chapters will commence across the federation. This is an open invitation to every Nigerian who believes that our current reality need not be our final destiny.
“Through solidarity, purposeful leadership, and the courage to demand better, we will prevail. The structures are set, the vision clear, the movement is here and together, we will make Nigeria OK,” he noted.
ADC, currently chaired by former Senate President David Mark, has also attracted other influential political figures, including former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
