Supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have merged their movements into a nationwide coalition within the ADC, setting the stage for a high-stakes primary clash with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Supporters of former governors Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have officially unveiled the “Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement,” a nationwide political pressure group aimed at reshaping the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of its presidential primaries. Launched in Abuja on Monday, April 20, the movement has already established structures across all 36 states and the FCT. National Publicity Secretary Justin Ijeh described the coalition as a “unifying force” drawing from the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya, the NNPP, and the ADC to confront Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
The emergence of this alliance has intensified internal friction within the ADC, particularly following former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s firm declaration that he will not step down for any other aspirant. Atiku has recently downplayed the influence of rival northern contenders, a stance that sparked backlash from the ADC National Youth Council. While the Labour Party has distanced itself from viral posts suggesting Obi and Kwankwaso should return to their former fold, the OK Movement’s leadership insists their platform is a coordinated engine for “systemic reform.”
Battle lines are now clearly drawn within the David Mark-led ADC as high-profile figures, including Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Aminu Tambuwal, continue to position themselves for the party’s ticket. Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, confirmed that the new group is working in tandem with existing Obi support structures to pursue a possible joint ticket. As the 2027 election cycle nears, the rivalry between Atiku’s established political reach and the burgeoning grassroots mobilization of the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance remains the central focal point of the opposition.