Supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have launched a joint political platform, the Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, aimed at consolidating grassroots support and positioning ahead of the 2027 elections within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking in an interview on ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Justin Ijeh, the National Publicity Secretary, Obi–Kwankwaso Movement, said the initiative is a nationwide mobilisation platform bringing together existing support bases from both camps to influence party primaries and strengthen opposition coordination.
Responding to questions, Ijeh described the movement as both strategic and reform-driven. “You need a strategic vehicle in order to be able to deliver strategic reforms. So you cannot choose one from the other,” he said. “So the answer to the question is yes, it is a strategic vehicle because you do need one to contest for electoral positions. And secondly, yes, the ultimate objective is national reform.”
He noted that the movement is leveraging already established grassroots structures. “We do have grassroots structures that cascade all the way down to the wards and the unit levels of the electoral map of this country… we are not starting from ground zero,” he stated.
On the question of leadership within the alliance, Ije confirmed that both political figures have agreed to work together, although decisions on candidacy remain unresolved. “Both principals have decided to work together… both principals have come into an alliance together,” he said, adding that such announcements would be made by the principals.
The launch comes amid growing competition within the ADC, where figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi and Aminu Tambuwal are also expected to seek the party’s presidential ticket.
Addressing internal party dynamics, Ijeh emphasised the democratic process. “In every democratic process… people will put forward their aspirations, their ambitions, and it is left to the voting population to decide,” he said, noting that the movement supports a joint Obi–Kwankwaso ticket.
He also outlined the ideological foundation of the alliance. “We want a Nigeria that works for everybody and not for some people… we want economic policies that are people-first and people-friendly,” he said, adding that governance, security and institutional reforms remain central to the movement’s vision.
On strategy, Ijeh said the movement intends to build on the strengths of both political blocs. “What we are actually doing is drawing on the passion and the structures… and creating a joint platform that allows for expression of our combined vision,” he explained.
He further addressed concerns about regional and identity politics, stating that economic hardship cuts across ethnic and religious lines. “The sufferings of Nigerians… do not lend themselves to those kind of conversations… We are united in the suffering,” he said.
On the timing of the launch, Ijeh said the movement was created to advance discussions around a joint ticket. “We then needed a vehicle that allows the expression of the aspirations of both men that we support…,” he said, describing the platform as a means to promote what he called an “election-winning combination.”
The emergence of the Obi–Kwankwaso movement reflects early political alignments within Nigeria’s opposition landscape as stakeholders position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ademide Adebayo
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