A bitter power struggle has erupted within the OK Movement, the political support platform mobilising backing for the joint presidential ticket of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, throwing the group into open factional conflict.
The crisis intensified after the movement publicly announced the appointment of former Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman Peter Ameh as its National Director-General. The statement, signed by Jackie Wayas, who described herself as the National Convener, claimed the decision was reached at a steering committee meeting and approved unanimously on the basis of Ameh’s political experience and commitment to the movement’s goals.
Within hours, the announcement triggered sharp pushback. Several members challenged Wayas’ authority to present herself as National Convener, accusing her of overreaching and acting without proper mandate. Competing claims to leadership quickly surfaced, with rival factions issuing statements and counter-statements.
John Ughulu, identified as the movement’s Director-General, dismissed one rival official as already sacked and accused opposing elements of attempting to hijack the organisation. The dispute has produced a flurry of accusations and counter-accusations over who holds legitimate control of the OK Movement’s structures and messaging.
The OK Movement was established to build grassroots support for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections. The current leadership tussle marks the most visible internal fracture since the platform’s formation and comes at a sensitive time as opposition forces seek to consolidate against the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Kwankwaso’s spokesman, Ladipo Johnson, had previously acknowledged tensions within the movement, describing them as a distraction and noting that Obi was unhappy with the situation. He maintained that the issues would be resolved without derailing broader campaign preparations.
No official statement resolving the leadership claims had been issued by either Obi or Kwankwaso as of early Monday. Supporters and observers are watching closely to see whether the principals will intervene to restore unity or allow the factions to continue competing for control of the platform.
The development adds to a series of internal challenges that have tested opposition realignment efforts in the run-up to 2027.