Fresh cracks have emerged within the OK Movement, a political support platform established to mobilise backing for the joint presidential ticket of Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, following a leadership dispute that has triggered rival claims, accusations and counter-accusations.
The crisis escalated after the movement announced the appointment of former Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Chairman, Peter Ameh, as its National Director-General in a statement signed by Jackie Wayas.
Wayas, who identified herself as the National Convener of the movement, said the appointment followed a meeting of the steering committee.
The former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said Ameh’s appointment received unanimous approval in recognition of his political experience and commitment to the movement’s objectives.
However, the announcement immediately sparked controversy, with several members questioning Wayas’ authority to describe herself as the National Convener.
Efforts to obtain clarification from Wayas on when and how she assumed the position were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to her were not returned as of the time of this report.
The controversy subsequently exposed a wider leadership dispute within the movement.
Speaking on the development, the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the movement, Justin Ijeh, acknowledged that disagreements existed but maintained they should be resolved internally rather than in the public domain.
“There’s a reason I have not spoken up on this issue. I believe some things should be resolved behind the scenes. The primary target for me is that we must achieve our aim at the polls. I spoke to all the parties concerned about my concerns.”
He described internal disagreements as inevitable in political organisations but warned that taking such disputes to the public could undermine the movement’s broader objective.
“It’s okay to fight. If you’re not fighting, you’re probably lying to yourselves. It’s not the worst thing that there are differences, but to let them come out into the public space is a big no-no for me.”
Ijeh said he had stepped aside as spokesman pending the resolution of the crisis, noting that competing claims to the office of Director-General had complicated matters.
“I have told all parties that I cannot be the spokesperson anymore until they resolve issues. Tell me, when two persons declared themselves DG of an organisation, what do you do?”
Responding, the movement’s Director-General, John Ughulu, dismissed Ijeh as a former official who had been relieved of his position, accusing a rival faction of attempting to hijack the organisation.
“Justin has been sacked long ago. He belongs to the other group. I had relieved all of them of their responsibility for us to move forward.”
Ughulu said the OK Movement was conceived as a broad political platform to unite supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso without replacing their existing political identities.
He added that the platform was designed to endure beyond the 2027 general election.
“There was an initial agreement between the two candidates, Obi and Kwankwaso, that this OK Movement would not be relinquished. It would still have to campaign for him in 2031 if he decides to come out for the presidential position.”
Ughulu also claimed that Peter Obi had urged him not to escalate the dispute publicly.
“Obi pleaded with me. He said, John, please, I beg you. Do not go to press. Do not say anything.”
He defended separating the leadership of the Obidient Movement from that of the OK Movement, arguing that overlapping leadership structures would create unnecessary conflicts.
Ughulu further alleged that attempts had been made to portray him as working against Obi’s political interests, insisting the movement was created to expand the Labour Party presidential candidate’s support base beyond the Obidient Movement.
According to him, the initiative followed consultations with several political leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Afenifere Secretary-General Akin Osuntokun and other stakeholders.
He said the name “OK Movement” was deliberately chosen to attract supporters beyond the traditional Obidient base.
Ughulu also defended his decision to remove Ijeh as spokesman, accusing him of partisanship and promoting narratives that undermined the movement.
He similarly addressed his disagreement with Jackie Wayas, alleging differences over funding arrangements and organisational management.
Meanwhile, another dimension to the controversy emerged following reports on social media claiming that Obi had removed the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, over alleged financial impropriety.
Tanko dismissed the allegation as false.
“No, it is not true. It is somebody out there just flying a kite.”
He also denied reports of any rift between the Obidient Movement and the OK Movement.
“There is really no tension between us. We are just trying to work together. That’s all.”
Shortly afterwards, Obi’s media aide issued a statement dismissing the reports as false and accusing unnamed political opponents of attempting to sow division within the movement.
The statement urged supporters of the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements to disregard rumours, fabricated reports and claims that Tanko had been removed from office.
Adding another perspective, former National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson, acknowledged that disagreements existed within the OK Movement but described them as a temporary distraction that would not derail preparations for the 2027 general election.
Johnson disclosed that Obi had been briefed on the situation and was unhappy with the public nature of the dispute.
The internal wrangling comes at a critical time as opposition groups continue consultations aimed at building a united front ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Although leaders of both the Obidient Movement and the OK Movement insist the disagreements are internal and resolvable, the public exchange of accusations and competing claims to leadership has raised fresh questions about cohesion within one of the opposition’s emerging mobilisation platforms.
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