A fresh crisis has erupted in the camp of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, less than three months to the 2027 general elections, as the OK Movement has accused leaders of the Obidient Movement and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, of joblessness and incompetence.
The OK Movement accused the Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Moses Paul, popularly known as MO, and the Director-General of the NDC, Ibrahim Abdulkarim, of abandoning serious mobilisation for the polls to engage in political bickering.
In a statement on Tuesday, the UK Coordinator of the OK Movement, Adebayo Brown, said the development was troubling with only 76 days to the general elections.
Brown faulted Paul over what he described as repeated claims that Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had dissociated themselves from the OK Movement.
He questioned how such claims would help the NDC or advance Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.
“With only 76 days to the general elections, one would expect serious-minded leaders to be preoccupied with building structures, strengthening grassroots engagement, and preparing for the enormous responsibility of electoral mobilisation.
“Instead, MO continues to make claims that HE Peter Obi and HE Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have dissociated themselves from the OK Movement.
“The question is simple: how does this constant repetition of such claims contribute to the success of the party or the democratic aspirations of Nigerians?” he asked.
The OK Movement said its strength lies in ideology, principles and core values, insisting that personal animosity would not stop it from defending Nigeria’s democracy.
Brown urged Paul to focus on his core mandate of rebuilding the Obidient Movement, saying the current disagreements should be an opportunity to prove leadership capacity.
“MO should concentrate on the mandate entrusted to him: rebuilding, revitalising, and restructuring the Obidient Movement. This is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, capacity, and organisational competence.
“The task deserves his full attention, not a diversion into unnecessary personal and political disagreements,” he said.
The movement also rose in defence of its National Director-General, Hon. John Ozyl Ughulu, over allegations that his commitment was driven by personal gain.
Brown described Ughulu as a successful businessman and advocate of workers’ interests who had invested personal resources in building the movement.
“It is important to make one thing absolutely clear: Hon. John Ozyl Ughulu is a successful businessman and a committed advocate of workers’ interests. His commitment to the movement should not be misrepresented as a pursuit of personal gain.
“Those who appear uncomfortable with his independence must understand that the OK Movement is an organisation built around principles and a collective vision, not the personal ambitions of any individual,” he said.
He also challenged Paul’s authority to speak for Obi and Kwankwaso, insisting that his position as Obidient coordinator does not automatically make him their spokesperson. He said any claim about their relationship with the OK Movement must be backed by verifiable communication.
Despite the exchange, the OK Movement denied being at war with the Obidient Movement or the NDC, saying all three groups share a common democratic goal ahead of 2027.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the OK Movement and the Obidient Movement are not enemies. Neither is the OK Movement in conflict with the NDC.
“We have a common democratic challenge ahead, and the priority should be mobilising Nigerians, strengthening political structures, and working towards credible elections in 2027,” Brown said.
He added that the movement had advised Ughulu to ignore the distractions and stay focused on strengthening its structures.
“The OK Movement will not be distracted, intimidated, or defined by the opinions of individuals.
“Our commitment remains justice, equity, fairness, credible elections, and a better Nigeria.
“The time for division is over. The time to work is now,” he added.
