Tensions have emerged among groups supporting Peter Obi’s 2027 presidential ambition, following accusations by the United Kingdom Coordinator of the OK Movement, Adebayo Brown, that leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Campaign Council and the Obidient Movement are contributing to divisions within the support base.
The disagreement followed claims that Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, had distanced themselves from the OK Movement.
The controversy has attracted reactions from the NDC Presidential Campaign Council and the Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Moses Paul, with both sides describing the dispute as a distraction from the wider campaign and efforts to mobilise support for Obi.
In a statement made available to The PUNCH, Brown called on Paul to concentrate on rebuilding the Obidient Movement, strengthening its grassroots structures and coordinating supporters instead of engaging in public disagreements with the OK Movement.
He warned that with the elections approaching, opposition groups should prioritise strategic planning, effective coordination and grassroots mobilisation rather than internal disputes that could weaken their collective political efforts.
Brown questioned the attention being given to the National Director-General of the OK Movement, John Ughulu, by individuals appointed to leadership positions within the Obidient Movement and NDC campaign structure.
He argued that the responsibilities of those appointments should centre on building political structures and preparing for the task of mobilising voters.
Brown also challenged Paul over his claims that Obi and Kwankwaso had withdrawn their support for the OK Movement, insisting that the Obidient Movement coordinator could not independently speak on behalf of the two politicians.
According to him, any position concerning the relationship between the politicians and the movement should be supported by clear and verifiable communication rather than individual claims.
Despite the disagreement, Brown maintained that the OK Movement had no intention of treating either the Obidient Movement or the NDC as an opponent.
He said the groups shared common democratic objectives and should concentrate on mobilising Nigerians, strengthening political structures and working towards credible elections in 2027.
Brown also defended Ughulu, describing him as a committed leader who had made considerable sacrifices towards building the OK Movement.
He urged members not to misrepresent Ughulu’s dedication as an attempt to pursue personal interests, while encouraging him to remain focused on strengthening the organisation.
However, the NDC Presidential Campaign Council dismissed Brown’s statement as an unnecessary distraction.
Its spokesperson, Dr Constance Ikokwu, said the campaign was currently focused on its immediate responsibilities and did not need issues that could divert attention from its objectives.
Also responding, Chidi Iloamaeke, media aide to Moses Paul, said the Obidient Movement coordinator was not a member of the OK Movement and was concentrating on his responsibilities within the organisation.
In a telephone interview with The PUNCH, Iloamaeke explained that Paul’s position as global coordinator required him to focus on the activities of the Obidient Movement and efforts to secure Obi’s election as president in 2027.
He also called on eligible Nigerians to participate in the 2027 general election and come out in large numbers to vote for Peter Obi.
Source: Punch
