Obi–Kwankwaso Movement Emerges as ADC Power Struggle Intensifies Ahead of 2027 Elections

(Peter Obi (L) and Rabiu Kwankwaso(R) Photo Credit: BBC)

In anticipation of the African Democratic Congress presidential primaries, supporters of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have formed a new political pressure group called the Obi–Kwankwaso Movement.

In addition to appointing state and zonal coordinators to spearhead its mobilization, the group, which declared its formation in Abuja on Monday, claimed to have created structures throughout the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement released in Abuja, the movement's National Publicity Secretary, Justin Ijeh, revealed this. He described the initiative as a coalition of political groups that includes the African Democratic Congress, Kwankwasiyya, the Obidient Movement, and the New Nigeria People's Party.

In the midst of mounting doubt about who will secure the ADC presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, the development denotes a new level of realignment within the opposition coalition.

The Obidient Movement, whose spontaneous and youth-driven mobilization changed Nigeria's political landscape during the 2023 elections, seems to have a structure and grassroots appeal similar to the OK Movement.

Ijeh clarified to reporters that the new platform is made up of members from the Kwankwasiya, Obidients, NNPP, and ADC.

Nigeria is at a pivotal crossroads, he declared. 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 announces the unveiling of its national and state structures.

"This is not just a political turning point; 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.

“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.”

Ijeh further disclosed that the movement has set up a strong structure and support base across the country, while also unveiling a list of state and zonal coordinators.

“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. “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,” he noted.

When contacted, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, confirmed that the group was working in alignment with existing Obi support structures toward a joint presidential ticket under the ADC.

“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 emergence of the OK Movement comes against the backdrop of rising tension within the ADC over the ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who recently declared his intention to contest the party’s presidential primaries.

Atiku, in a controversial interview, insisted he would not step down for any aspirant, a stance that has triggered unease among supporters of other leading figures within the coalition.

Additionally, the former vice president dismissed the chances of other northern aspirants, stating that none matched his level of political popularity.

Among those speculated to be eyeing the ADC ticket alongside him are Obi, Kwankwaso, former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal.

The party, currently chaired by former Senate President David Mark, has also attracted other influential political figures, including former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

Following Atiku’s remarks, the Kwankwasiyya movement rejected claims of a decline in Kwankwaso’s political influence, particularly in Kano, describing such assertions as inaccurate.

According to the organization, only Obi and Kwankwaso command genuine nationwide grassroots support, insisting their followership remains “organic” and deeply rooted across the country.
As different blocs position themselves ahead of the primaries, the most recent development highlights the intensifying struggle for supremacy within the opposition coalition.

In the meantime, the Labour Party has distanced itself from social media statements that went viral and called on Obi and Kwankwaso to join it again.

The posts, circulated on X (formerly Twitter) using the party’s name and logo, had appealed to both politicians to abandon the ADC amid uncertainty over its internal dynamics.

One of the posts read, “Dear @PeterObi @KwankwasoRM, our doors are open.

”But the party's leadership, led by its Interim National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, dismissed the messages as fraudulent, insisting they did not originate from its national secretariat.