Supporters of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and ex-Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have unveiled a new political pressure group, the Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, as political realignments intensified ahead of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary for the 2027 general election.
The group, which announced its emergence in Abuja on Monday, said it has already established structures across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with state and zonal coordinators appointed to drive mobilisation.
National Publicity Secretary of the Movement, Justin Ijeh, disclosed this in a statement, describing the initiative as a coalition of political forces comprising the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya Movement, 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 clinch the ADC presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
The OK Movement appears to mirror the structure and grassroots appeal of the Obidient Movement, whose organic, youth-driven mobilisation reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape during the 2023 elections.
Addressing journalists, Ijeh said the platform draws members from Kwankwasiyya, Obidients, NNPP and 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 unveils 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 established a strong nationwide support base and would soon begin formal inauguration of its state chapters.
He added, “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.”
When contacted, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, confirmed alignment between the new group and existing Obi support structures toward a joint presidential ticket under the ADC.
“Yes, Ijeh and others are some of our people. There is no division. Both the OK Movement and The Village Boys Movement are working for the same purpose,” he said.
The emergence of the OK Movement comes amid rising tension within the ADC over the ambition of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who has declared his intention to contest the party’s presidential primaries.
Atiku, in a recent 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.
His comments have further fuelled debate over the party’s likely standard-bearer, particularly following Obi’s recent decision to align with the ADC after contesting the 2023 election on the Labour Party platform.
Other notable figures speculated to be eyeing the ADC ticket include former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
The party, currently chaired by former Senate President, David Mark, has also attracted influential political figures such as former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, and ex-Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, further intensifying the race.
Following Atiku’s remarks, the Kwankwasiyya movement rejected claims of a decline in Kwankwaso’s political influence, particularly in Kano State, insisting that both Obi and Kwankwaso command genuine nationwide grassroots support.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party has distanced itself from viral social media posts urging Obi and Kwankwaso to return to its fold.
The posts, circulated on X, had used the party’s name and logo to appeal to both politicians to abandon the ADC amid uncertainty over its internal dynamics.
One of the posts read, “Dear @PeterObi @KwankwasoRM, our doors are open.”
However, the party’s Interim National Chairman, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, dismissed the messages as fraudulent, insisting they did not originate from its national secretariat.
