Obi, Kwankwaso Dismisses Proposed 2027 Merger Talks

The OK Movement, a political platform established to mobilize support for the joint ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Friday ruled out any merger with an external political organization ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group, which is a blend of supporters drawn from the Obidient Movement and Kwankwasiyya, also rejected the rumored plot to remove its director-general and founder, John Ughulu, insisting that its grassroots structure was built around his leadership.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued in Abuja and jointly signed by the Convener, Ladipo Johnson, and National Secretary, Sadaatu Sani, at the national leadership summit in Abuja.

The summit was attended by national leaders, coordinators, and state coordinators, as well as local government and ward-level mobilizers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Johnson explained that they had resolved to remain an independent organization while retaining their willingness to work with other groups with similar objectives.

The Lagos Central senatorial candidate for the NDC also explained that any externally imposed consolidation could disrupt programs already underway and undermine the identity and grassroots momentum built by the movement.

“The Summit resolves that the OK Movement shall remain an independent organization and shall not be merged into or absorbed by any external political body.

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

The development comes amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition figures and political groups exploring possible alliances, coalitions, and mergers in a bid to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.

But the OK Movement convener insisted that the decision to retain Ughulu was hinged on the role he played in building the organization’s grassroots structure.

The group also warned that removing the Director-General or abandoning its independent status could lead to the collapse of its grassroots structure.

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

“Our loyalty is not to a title, but to the man who recruited, trained, and stood with us.

“Should the Director-General be removed, or the Movement’s independence be set aside, they have indicated that they would not continue to operate under the resulting arrangement,” Johnson stated.