Obi–Kwankwaso movement warns against infiltration

The Obi–Kwankwaso Movement on Thursday raised the alarm over what it described as attempts by rival political interests to infiltrate its ranks, warning supporters against the proliferation of uncoordinated structures and indiscriminate membership drives as momentum builds ahead of the 2027 elections.

The warning was issued by the Deputy Director General (North) of the Movement, Auwal Muhammad, at a press conference in Abuja, where state coordinators and key stakeholders were in attendance.

The OK Movement is a blend of supporters drawn from the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya, the New Nigeria People’s Party and the African Democratic Congress

He said, “We are gladdened by the thousands of ‘lovers of the movement’ who are voluntarily setting up structures to promote this joint ticket. However, success attracts sabotage.

“It has come to our notice that various groups are attempting to establish parallel structures using the ‘OK Movement’ name. To our genuine brothers and sisters: we appreciate your zeal, but we must be wiser than our detractors.

“By creating multiple, uncoordinated entities under the same name, you inadvertently open the door for the political mercenaries and ‘fifth columnists’ to infiltrate our ranks. We cannot allow the ruling party to send their paid disruptors and agents of chaos to wear our badge, mimic our voice, and sow seeds of confusion from within.”

Muhammad, however, outlined measures to safeguard the integrity of the platform, stressing the need for coordination and central leadership.

“There is only one leadership, led nationally by DG John Ughulu. If you are a support group or an independent organisation passionate about the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, we encourage you to continue your noble work, but do so under a distinct and unique name, tagged OK Movement.

“This is a strategic necessity to ensure that we can easily identify and flush out the ‘political viruses’ that the failing establishment will inevitably try to inject into our system. We are building a bridge between the frugality and economic foresight of Peter Obi and the structural discipline of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“We are moving from a government of ‘agberos’ and political patronage to a government of merit and national dignity. Let us remain vigilant. Let us remain united. Let us protect the ‘OK’ brand from those who seek to dilute it,” he urged.

The warning comes amid heightened political realignments within the opposition space ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The PUNCH reported three days ago how supporters of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and ex-Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, launched the Movement as a political pressure group to consolidate support for a possible joint presidential ticket under the African Democratic Congress.

The group, which announced its emergence in Abuja earlier this week, said it has already established structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside the appointment of state and zonal coordinators to drive mobilisation.