The OK Movement, a platform to mobilise support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has ruled out any merger ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, which is a blend of supporters drawn from the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), also rejected the rumoured plot to remove its Director-General and founder, John Ughulu.
It insisted that its grassroots structure was built around Mr Ughulu’s leadership.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued in Abuja and jointly signed by the Convener, Ladipo Johnson, and National Secretary, Sadaatu Sani.
It explained that the group had resolved to remain an independent organisation while retaining the willingness to work with other groups with similar objectives.
It also explained that any externally imposed consolidation could disrupt programmes already underway and undermine the identity and grassroots momentum built by the movement.
“The summit resolves that the OK Movement shall remain an independent organisation 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 OK Movement insisted that the decision to retain Mr Ughulu was hinged on the role he played in building the organisation’s grassroots structure.
It also warned that removing the director-general or abandoning the group’s 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 firector-general be removed, or the movement’s independence set aside, the members have indicated that they would not continue to operate under the resulting arrangement,” Mr Johnson said.
The leadership, however, sought reconciliation with Jacky Wayas, inviting her to return to the movement as director for Strategic Implementation and Planning under the leadership of the director-general.
(NAN)
