Supporters of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and ex-Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have launched a new political pressure group known as the Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, as fresh alignments gather momentum ahead of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary for the 2027 general election.
The group, unveiled in Abuja on Monday, said it had already established structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with coordinators appointed at state and zonal levels to drive nationwide mobilisation.
National Publicity Secretary of the Movement, Justin Ijeh, described the initiative as a coalition of political forces drawn from the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya Movement, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the ADC.
The emergence of the group signals a new phase in opposition politics as key actors position themselves for the ADC presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking during the unveiling, Ijeh said the movement was created to offer Nigerians a credible political alternative amid worsening economic hardship and insecurity.
“Nigeria stands at a defining crossroads. Today, as our people endure the weight of unprecedented economic hardship, the soaring cost of living, and the persistent shadow of insecurity, the Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement formally unveils its national and state structures,” he said.
“This is more than a political milestone; it is the birth of a coordinated, nationwide engine for systemic reform and national rebirth. We recognise the exhaustion felt in every Nigerian household. Yet, in this moment of darkness, the OK Movement stands as a beacon of resolute hope.”
Ijeh said the platform rejects divisive politics and seeks to unite Nigerians across ethnic, regional, and religious lines.
“The Movement is a home for all well-meaning Nigerians. We reject the politics of tribalism, regionalism, and religious sentiment that have long been used to keep our people divided while the nation falters,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the group would soon begin the formal inauguration of its state chapters across the federation.
“In the coming weeks, the official inauguration of our state chapters will commence across the federation. This is an open invitation to every Nigerian who believes that our current reality need not be our final destiny,” he added.
“Through solidarity, purposeful leadership, and the courage to demand better, we will prevail. The structures are set, the vision clear, the movement is here and together, we will make Nigeria OK.”
The OK Movement is being seen by many political observers as a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening support for a possible Obi-Kwankwaso joint ticket under the ADC platform.
When contacted, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, confirmed that the new group was aligned with existing Obi support structures and working toward the same political objective.
“Yes, Ijeh and others are some of our people. There is no division. Both the OK Movement and The Village Boys Movement are working for the same purpose,” he said.
The development comes amid growing tension within the ADC over the presidential ambition of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who has openly declared his intention to contest the party’s 2027 presidential primary.
Atiku recently stated that he would not step down for any aspirant, a position that has reportedly unsettled supporters of other major contenders within the coalition.
His comments have intensified debate over who will eventually emerge as the party’s standard-bearer, especially after Obi’s recent alignment with the ADC following his 2023 presidential run on the Labour Party platform.
Other prominent figures believed to be interested in the ADC ticket include former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
The party, currently chaired by former Senate President, David Mark, has also attracted influential political figures such as former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, further heightening the contest for control of the opposition coalition.
Meanwhile, the Kwankwasiyya Movement has dismissed claims that Kwankwaso’s political influence is declining, particularly in Kano State, insisting that both Obi and Kwankwaso remain major grassroots forces with nationwide appeal.
