OK Movement Backs Cooperation, Rejects Merger Ahead of 2027

The Obi-Kwankwaso, or OK, Movement has rejected plans to merge it with another political organisation, saying it will remain independent while working with groups that share its goals ahead of the 2027 elections.

The position comes as opposition groups continue to discuss ways of working together to challenge President Bola Tinubu, with the African Democratic Congress, or ADC, also saying it does not depend on a broad opposition coalition to win the 2027 election.

The OK Movement, which mobilises support for the joint political project of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, reached the decision at a national leadership summit in Abuja.

The group said it would not allow its structure to be merged into or absorbed by another political body.

“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,” it said in a communiqué.

However, the movement stressed that independence does not mean refusing to work with others.

“Independence does not mean isolation: we remain ready to coordinate closely with allied groups in pursuit of shared goals,” the communiqué said.

The group said an imposed merger could disrupt its programmes and weaken the grassroots structure it has built across the country.

“Our reasoning is practical rather than sentimental,” the movement said.

“The Movement was built ward by ward, largely on the personal credibility of its founder with the volunteers who make up its ranks.”

The OK Movement also reaffirmed John Ughulu as its founder and director-general, rejecting calls for his removal.

It said its independence was important because “Social media handles can be reassigned; the confidence of thousands of grassroots mobilisers cannot.”

The movement also visited former Kano Gov. Kwankwaso after the summit to brief him on its resolutions.

The group said it remained committed to the Obi-Kwankwaso political project and a “better Nigeria,” while asking that “the collective will of the grassroots” be respected.