A fresh disagreement has erupted within the political groups backing Peter Obi’s 2027 presidential ambition, threatening to fracture the coalition before campaigns officially begin.
The United Kingdom Coordinator of the OK Movement, Adebayo Brown, accused leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Campaign Council and the Obidient Movement of fuelling divisions among supporters.
The dispute centers on claims that Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, had dissociated themselves from the OK Movement.
The controversy drew immediate reactions from the NDC Presidential Campaign Council and the Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Moses Paul.
Both dismissed the disagreement as a distraction from the campaign and the urgent task of mobilising voters.
In a statement, Brown called on Paul to concentrate on rebuilding the group, strengthening grassroots structures, and coordinating supporters.
He warned that internal disputes could undermine efforts to rally Nigerians behind the opposition’s presidential candidate.
“Two appointments have been given to individuals who now appear more interested in political disputes than in the responsibilities of their offices,” Brown said.
“Unfortunately, rather than concentrating on these critical responsibilities, their attention appears to be directed towards the National Director General of the OK Movement, John Ughulu.“
Frustration Over Election Timeline
With only 76 days to the general elections, Brown said serious-minded leaders should be preoccupied with building structures and preparing for electoral mobilisation.
“Instead, Dr MO (Paul) continues to make claims that Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso have dissociated themselves from the OK Movement,” he said.
Brown challenged Paul to clarify the basis of claims about Obi and Kwankwaso’s relationship with the movement’s leaders. He argued that the Obidient Movement coordinator could not unilaterally speak for the two politicians.
“The coordinator of the Obidient Movement does not automatically speak for Peter Obi, nor can he unilaterally determine or represent his interests and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. Such positions should be established through clear and verifiable communication, not personal assertions,” Brown said.
Despite the disagreement, Brown maintained that the OK Movement did not consider either the Obidient Movement or the NDC an enemy. He called for unity ahead of the elections.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the OK Movement and the Obidient Movement are not enemies. Neither are we 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,” he said.
Both Sides Dismiss Controversy
The NDC Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson, Dr Constance Ikokwu, dismissed Brown’s statement as a distraction. “We’re heavily focused on the campaign right now. We don’t need unnecessary distractions,” she reportedly told another online news media, The PUNCH.
Paul’s media aide, Chidi Iloamaeke, said the Obidients coordinator was not a member of the OK Movement and was focused on his responsibilities within the organisation.
“Dr Mo is not a member of the OK Movement. His office as the global coordinator of the Obidient Movement allows him to concentrate on the activities of the Obidient Movement as well as delivering the people’s mandate of ensuring that Peter Obi becomes the president of Nigeria come 2027,” Iloamaeke said.
He called on eligible voters to turn out in large numbers to vote for Obi in the 2027 election.
The internal friction comes as Obi’s political platform continues to evolve.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate officially defected to the ADC coalition platform on December 31, 2025, after joining the opposition coalition in July 2025.
Meanwhile, former Labour Party chairman Julius Abure has ruled out backing Obi in 2027, saying he would consider supporting either President Bola Tinubu or former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, depending on the outcome of a Supreme Court case.
Meanwhile, Obi has returned from an overseas trip.
Supporters said he travelled on a 17-hour trip on Sunday morning and returned on a 17-hour trip to Nigeria on Tuesday evening.
He was in a meeting with candidates in Lagos on Tuesday night.
