Supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have unveiled a new political pressure group, the Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, as political realignments intensify ahead of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary for the 2027 general election.

The group, which announced its emergence in Abuja on Monday, said it has already established structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with state and zonal coordinators appointed to drive mobilisation nationwide.

National Publicity Secretary of the Movement, Justin Ijeh, disclosed this in a statement, describing the initiative as a coalition of political forces comprising the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya Movement, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the ADC.

The development signals a fresh layer of realignment within the opposition coalition amid growing uncertainty over who will clinch the ADC presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

The OK Movement appears to mirror the structure and grassroots appeal of the Obidient Movement, whose youth-driven mobilisation reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape during the 2023 elections.

Addressing journalists, Ijeh said the platform draws members from Kwankwasiyya, Obidients, NNPP and ADC.

He said, “Nigeria stands at a defining crossroads. 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 unveils its national and state structures.

“This is more than a political milestone; 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 established a strong nationwide support base and would soon begin formal inauguration of its state chapters.

He added, “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.”

When contacted, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, confirmed alignment between the new group and 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 amid rising tension within the ADC over the ambition of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who has declared his intention to contest the party’s presidential primaries.

Atiku, in a recent 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.

His comments have further fuelled debate over the party’s likely standard-bearer, particularly following Obi’s recent decision to align with the ADC after contesting the 2023 election on the Labour Party platform.

Other notable figures speculated to be eyeing the ADC ticket include former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

The party, currently chaired by former Senate President, David Mark, has also attracted influential political figures such as former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, and ex-Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, further intensifying the race.

Following Atiku’s remarks, the Kwankwasiyya movement rejected claims of a decline in Kwankwaso’s political influence, particularly in Kano State, insisting that both Obi and Kwankwaso command genuine nationwide grassroots support.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party has distanced itself from viral social media posts urging Obi and Kwankwaso to return to its fold.

The posts, circulated on X, had used the party’s name and logo to appeal 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.”

However, the party’s Interim National Chairman, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, dismissed the messages as fraudulent, insisting they did not originate from its national secretariat.

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A coalition known as the Ndigbo for Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT) has called on former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, insisting he is not the consensus candidate of the Igbo people.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the group argued that the political realities ahead of the 2027 election strongly favor the incumbent president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and warned that Obi risks another electoral defeat if he proceeds with his ambition.

The forum described Tinubu as a “formidable incumbent” whose support base and political structure position him for re-election. It also dismissed the chances of other opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to the group, Obi’s own public statements about running as a Nigerian rather than on ethnic or religious grounds indicate that he is not relying on Igbo support, reinforcing their position that he does not represent a unified regional candidacy.

The statement further urged Obi to ignore what it termed “social media pressure” from supporters often referred to as the “Obidient Movement,” claiming that many of them may not be eligible voters in the 2027 election.

NDI-ABAT also argued that the Southeast political landscape has shifted since the 2023 election, with increasing alignment toward the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The group pointed to ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the region, overseen by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, as evidence of growing support for the Tinubu administration.

The coalition concluded that it would be in the “best interest of Ndigbo and the nation” for Obi to step aside from the 2027 contest and consider a future bid instead.

The statement was signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, National Coordinator of NDI-ABAT, and Dr. Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr., Secretary General

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A grassroots politician and House of Representatives aspirant for Ajeromi Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca, has congratulated the newly constituted National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)following the successful conclusion of its National Convention held in Abuja.

In a statement made available to journalists, OmoBarca specifically commended prominent party leaders, including former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, for their roles in steering the party toward a successful convention and the emergence of a new leadership team.

He described the convention as a significant milestone for the ADC, noting that it reflects the party’s growing internal cohesion and commitment to democratic principles. According to him, the peaceful conduct of the exercise and the emergence of a credible NWC signal a renewed direction for the party ahead of future electoral contests.

OmoBarca pledged his “unalloyed loyalty” to the newly elected leadership, assuring them of his readiness to support their vision and programmes at all levels. He emphasized that as a grassroots politician, he remains committed to mobilising support for the party and strengthening its presence among ordinary Nigerians.

“I am fully aligned with the new leadership and ready to contribute my quota to the growth and success of our great party,” he said. “The ADC represents a credible alternative for Nigerians, and I am confident that under the new NWC, the party will continue to expand its influence nationwide.”

Reaffirming his political ambition, OmoBarca stated that his aspiration to represent the people of Ajeromi Ifelodun Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives remains firmly on course. He described his ambition as a “call to service,” driven by a desire to provide effective representation and bring development closer to the people.

He further stressed that his ambition would be pursued on the ADC platform, expressing confidence in the party’s ideology and capacity to deliver good governance.

“My aspiration is rooted in service to the people. I remain committed to contesting under the ADC platform to represent the good people of Ajeromi Ifelodun, and by the grace of God and the support of the people, this vision will be realised,” he added.

OmoBarca also used the opportunity to extend his best wishes to the newly inaugurated NWC, expressing optimism that their tenure would usher in a new era of progress for both the party and the country.

He urged the leadership to remain focused, inclusive, and people-oriented in their approach to governance within the party, noting that Nigerians are increasingly looking for credible alternatives capable of addressing the nation’s socio-economic challenges.

“I wish the new NWC a fruitful and successful tenure,” he said. “I believe their leadership will not only strengthen the ADC but also contribute to building a new Nigeria that works for all.”

The ADC National Convention, which attracted party delegates and stakeholders from across the country, is seen as a crucial step in repositioning the party ahead of upcoming political engagements. Analysts say the emergence of a new leadership structure could enhance the party’s competitiveness in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

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ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has indicated his readiness to seek re-election in 2027, using a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to rally political allies and outline his administration’s priorities.

The President made the remarks on Thursday while hosting coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, alongside governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu’s comments come amid increasing political activity ahead of the next general election cycle, signaling what many observers interpret as an early positioning for a second-term bid.

Tinubu Dismisses ADC Convention

During the meeting, Tinubu took a swipe at a recent convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where David Mark emerged as chairman. The gathering also featured criticisms of the administration from prominent political figures, including Rauf Aregbesola and Rotimi Amaechi.

Describing the event as the “rascality of a street convention,” Tinubu downplayed its significance and questioned the credibility of opposition narratives.

Focus on Economic Reforms and Unity

The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling poverty and strengthening economic reforms. He stressed the importance of breaking “the shackles of poverty” while maintaining respect for judicial independence and democratic institutions.

Tinubu also called on supporters and party stakeholders to remain united under a shared national vision, emphasizing that sustained collaboration would be critical to navigating Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

Supporters Hail Remarks

Attendees at the meeting described the President’s speech as motivational, framing it as a defining moment that sets the tone for the political climate leading into 2027.

The gathering comes at a time when Nigerians continue to grapple with the impact of ongoing economic reforms, including rising costs of living and policy adjustments aimed at stabilizing the economy.

Rising Political Momentum Ahead of 2027

Tinubu’s remarks are likely to intensify political discourse in the coming months, as both ruling and opposition parties begin early strategizing for the next election cycle.

While the President has not formally declared his candidacy, Thursday’s comments strongly suggest a willingness to remain in the race, setting the stage for what could be a highly contested 2027 general election.

The political atmosphere in Borno South Senatorial District is intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections, as stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State have thrown their weight behind the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Musa Askira.

The endorsement positions Askira for a potential high-stakes contest against incumbent Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, a seasoned lawmaker widely regarded as one of the most influential political figures in the district.

The move followed extensive consultations across the nine local government areas of Borno South, reflecting growing calls for power rotation and equitable representation within the zone.

Calls for Zoning and Equity

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Sule Gambo said the demand for a shift in political leadership is rooted in historical precedent. He recalled that during Nigeria’s Second Republic, leaders from Askira/Uba supported the zoning of the senatorial seat to Gwoza to promote inclusiveness.

“It was we, the people of Askira/Uba, who initiated this arrangement. We agreed that the seat should shift to Gwoza to give them a sense of belonging,” Gambo said.

However, he lamented that the rotational principle has since been abandoned, noting that after the tenure of the late Senator Mohammed Mahdi, the seat remained in Gwoza rather than rotating among other local government areas such as Chibok, Damboa, and Askira/Uba.

“The senatorial seat is supposed to rotate among Chibok, Damboa, Gwoza, and Askira/Uba. Unfortunately, this has not been the case for a long time,” he added.

Support from Women and Community Leaders
Stakeholders described Askira’s emergence as a corrective step toward restoring political balance in the district.

Prominent women leader Tafu Malla commended Askira’s grassroots engagement, highlighting his contributions to job creation, agricultural development, and empowerment initiatives.

“He maintains a genuine open-door policy and is always there for the poor,” she said, noting that women who constitute a significant voting bloc are supportive of his ambition.

Similarly, Hawa Mai-Musa, a retired Permanent Secretary and former Special Adviser from Chibok, emphasized the importance of fairness in representation.

“To be fair to the people of Chibok and Askira/Uba, it is time for rotation. Engineer Askira is a proven leader whose track record shows he has been tested,” she stated.

She further underscored the electoral influence of women, claiming they account for nearly 70 per cent of voters in Borno State.

Development Agenda and “Savannah State” Push

From the Uba Emirate, Adamu Jafiya stressed the need for development-focused representation, urging stakeholders to prioritize candidates capable of attracting federal projects to the district.

“While others are bringing federal projects to their zones, we are busy with political wars. We need Engr. Askira to bring his professional and legislative experience to the Senate,” he said.

A central campaign issue gaining traction is the proposed “Savannah State,” an initiative strongly advocated by Askira. Supporters believe his presence in the National Assembly could accelerate the constitutional process required for state creation.

The Ndume Factor

Despite the growing support for Askira, political analysts say the influence of Ndume remains a major factor in the race. Having represented Borno South for multiple terms, Ndume commands deep political structures and grassroots loyalty.

Nevertheless, the coordinated endorsement of Askira signals a strategic attempt by APC stakeholders to reshape the district’s political dynamics ahead of 2027.

For now, Askira’s camp is treading cautiously, awaiting directives from party leadership as momentum continues to build.

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