Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), is reportedly unhappy over escalating leadership tensions within the OK Movement, the campaign bloc backing the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance. Ladipo Johnson, a spokesman for Rabi’u Kwankwaso, made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television, confirming that internal disagreements have emerged among members and leadership of the Movement. The dispute, Johnson said, has become a distraction at a critical time when efforts should be focused on building a strong, unified political structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Johnson described the current situation as a temporary setback rather than a fundamental threat to the Movement’s goals. He emphasized that while the disagreements exist, they should not be allowed to escalate into actions that could fracture the support base of the alliance. He warned that such divisions could undermine the collective effort to present a credible alternative to the ruling parties in the upcoming elections.
According to Johnson, the disagreements stem from differences between certain members and the core leadership of the OK Movement. These internal conflicts, he noted, risk weakening the movement’s cohesion and public perception at a time when unity is essential. He stressed that the Movement must remain focused on organizing and mobilizing support across Nigeria’s 36 states.
Johnson revealed that Peter Obi had been personally briefed on the unfolding situation and expressed clear dissatisfaction with the developments. “I saw the presidential candidate last night along with the DG. He’s not happy about the whole situation,” Johnson stated, underscoring the seriousness with which the candidate views the internal discord. He added that the leadership must act swiftly to resolve the issue and prevent further fragmentation.
The OK Movement, formed to support the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential bid, has been working to consolidate support from various political and civic groups. Any internal rift, Johnson warned, could damage the credibility of the alliance and erode public confidence in their ability to deliver a united front. He called for restraint and dialogue among members to preserve the integrity of the movement.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the stability of opposition alliances will be crucial in challenging the dominance of the major parties. The current tensions within the OK Movement highlight the challenges of building a broad-based coalition under tight political timelines. Moving forward, how quickly and effectively the leadership addresses these issues will determine the alliance’s ability to remain a credible force in the national political landscape.
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