Power Struggle Threatens Peter Obi-Kwankwaso Alliance Ahead of 2027 Polls

Internal power struggle threatens opposition coalition as rival groups claim authority over movement’s leadership

The OK Movement, a political support platform established to mobilise backing for the joint ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, is engulfed in a deepening leadership crisis that threatens to derail opposition unity ahead of the 2027 Nigerian presidential election. The power tussle erupted into public view following a controversial appointment that exposed bitter rivalries, competing claims to authority, and fundamental disagreements over the movement’s strategic direction and funding model.

The conflict escalated when Jackie Wayas, who identified herself as the National Convener of the movement, announced the appointment of former Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman Peter Ameh as the movement’s National Director-General. In a statement, Wayas claimed the decision followed a meeting of the movement’s steering committee and that Ameh’s appointment was unanimously approved due to his political experience and commitment to the movement’s ideals. However, within hours of the announcement, controversy erupted as several members questioned Wayas’ authority to describe herself as the national convener. Multiple attempts by The PUNCH to obtain clarification from Wayas on when and how she assumed the position were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unreturned.

The controversy quickly exposed a wider leadership dispute within the movement, with rival factions staking competing claims to authority. Justin Ijeh, the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the movement, acknowledged the internal disagreements but insisted they should be resolved behind closed doors rather than through media platforms. In his comments to The PUNCH, Ijeh explained that there was a reason he had not spoken up on the issue, as he believed some things should be resolved behind the scenes. He emphasised that the primary target was to achieve their aim at the polls and that while it was acceptable to have differences, allowing them to come out into the public space was a significant concern. Ijeh revealed he had stepped aside as spokesman pending resolution of the dispute, noting the difficulty of functioning when “two persons declared themselves DG of an organisation.”

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However, the movement’s Director-General, John Ughulu, dismissed Ijeh as a “sacked official” and accused the rival faction of attempting to hijack the organisation. Ughulu maintained that Ijeh had been relieved of his position long ago and belonged to the other group, stating that he had relieved all of them of their responsibility to allow the movement to move forward. He maintained that Ijeh no longer had authority to speak for the organisation and accused him of partisanship and undermining the movement’s objectives.

Ughulu provided deeper insight into the origins of the conflict, revealing fundamental disagreements over the movement’s funding model. He traced his fallout with Jackie Wayas to a dispute over financial management, claiming she opposed his insistence on raising funds through small public contributions rather than from questionable sources. Ughulu explained that people were bringing in illegal money, and he insisted that would not happen because one could not verify where such money was coming from. He suggested they raise funds from the streets by encouraging Nigerians to contribute N1,000 or N500 to take care of posters, T-shirts and logistics. He added that he had made it clear from the outset that coordinators would not be paid, as they were “well-to-do on their own,” but Wayas reportedly “flared up and said no” to this approach.

Ughulu claimed that Peter Obi personally intervened to prevent the internal conflict from escalating further, urging him to avoid public commentary. He revealed that Obi pleaded with him, saying, “John, please, I beg you. Do not go to press. Do not say anything.” He confirmed that Obi had been briefed on the development and was unhappy with the situation, a position corroborated by Ladipo Johnson, a former spokesman of the New Nigeria People’s Party. Johnson, speaking on Arise Television, described the situation as a “distraction” rather than an existential threat, but confirmed Obi’s displeasure, stating that he saw the presidential candidate along with the DG and that Obi was not happy about the whole situation.

The OK Movement was conceived as a strategic political coalition designed to unite the Obidient Movement’s youthful, digitally-savvy supporters with the Kwankwasiyya Movement’s grassroots political organisation. Ughulu traced the movement’s origins to discussions aimed at creating a broader coalition capable of bringing together supporters of both candidates under one umbrella without dissolving their existing political identities. He disclosed that there was an initial agreement between the two candidates, Obi and Kwankwaso, that the OK Movement would not be relinquished and would still campaign for him in 2031 if he decides to come out for the presidential position, and he was a signatory to that agreement. He revealed that the movement’s name was deliberately chosen to attract supporters outside the traditional Obidient base, noting that there are people who love and want to support Peter Obi who are not Obidient members, and sticking only to that would make other associations and political parties unwilling to associate with them.

Adding another layer to the unfolding crisis, social media reports alleged that Obi had dismissed the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, over financial impropriety. When contacted by The PUNCH, Tanko categorically denied the allegation, stating that it was not true and that someone was just flying a kite. He mentioned that they were having a programme in the office and insisted he did not have a separate account and was not even a signatory to the account of the Obidient Movement, questioning why he would have a money-related matter. He also dismissed claims of tension between the Obidient Movement and the OK Movement, stressing that there was no crisis or internal conflict and that they were just trying to work together as a team.

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Shortly after Tanko’s defence, Idris Zekeri, Obi’s media aide, released a statement dismissing the reports as a “coordinated effort by political adversaries” to create division. The statement from the Peter Obi Media Office acknowledged recent coordinated efforts by political adversaries and disruptive individuals to create division, misrepresent their leader’s objectives, and foster artificial rifts within the movement dedicated to improving Nigeria. The statement accused unnamed political opponents of manufacturing distractions while Nigerians continued to grapple with economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment. They implored devoted supporters, including the Obidients and Kwankwasiyya movements, and all Nigerians of good conscience, to disregard rumours, fabricated stories, and deliberate provocations, including the purported sack of the Obidient Movement National Coordinator.

The internal wrangling comes at a critical period for the opposition as political groups continue consultations aimed at forging a united front capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 presidential election. While leaders of both movements have continued to insist that their disagreements are internal and resolvable, the public exchange of accusations and rival claims to leadership has raised fresh questions about cohesion within one of the emerging support platforms expected to play a significant role in opposition mobilisation. Johnson urged members to focus on strengthening the movement instead of allowing personal disagreements to undermine its broader political objectives, acknowledging that while there was a distraction, it was not significant enough to warrant unilateral actions that could scuttle or bring bad blood within the support base of the person they purportedly want to become president.

Political analysts warn that such infighting represents a significant gift to the ruling APC, as it weakens the opposition’s capacity to present a united front against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. The OK Movement’s internal crisis highlights the challenges of merging two powerful and distinct political bases, each with its own leadership structures, funding mechanisms, and strategic priorities. For the movement to fulfill its objective of mobilising a broad coalition capable of challenging the APC, leaders must resolve these internal disputes and present a cohesive vision for Nigeria’s future.

Power Struggle Threatens Peter Obi-Kwankwaso Alliance Ahead of 2027 Polls

Additional reporting by The PUNCH

Gumi: Clerics who join politics are better than those praying for politicians

Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has defended the participation of religious scholars in politics, arguing that clerics who actively engage in the political process and accept its challenges are better positioned to contribute to society than those who remain outside and only pray for political leaders.

Gumi made the remarks amid growing debate over whether Islamic clerics should participate directly in partisan politics or focus exclusively on religious teachings, spiritual guidance and public advocacy.

The discussion has gained renewed attention following the political involvement of several respected Islamic scholars, particularly in northern Nigeria, where religious leaders play influential roles in community development, public discourse and social affairs.

The issue has become more prominent following the emergence of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, as a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 general election.

Pantami’s political ambition has generated mixed reactions, with supporters describing his participation as an opportunity for a religious scholar and public policy expert to contribute directly to governance. However, critics have raised concerns about the possible impact of partisan politics on the independence, public image and moral authority of religious leaders.

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While some religious scholars have previously held political appointments or served in government, the increasing interest of prominent clerics in elective offices has renewed debate over the appropriate role of religious leaders in Nigeria’s political system.

Those opposed to clerics participating in partisan politics argue that the political environment can be highly divisive and may expose religious leaders to personal attacks, public criticism, political rivalry and allegations that could affect the respect they command among their followers.

They believe clerics may be more effective when they remain independent of political parties and use their platforms to provide spiritual guidance, promote ethical leadership, advise public officials and hold governments accountable.

Supporters, however, argue that religious scholars should not remain on the sidelines while the country continues to face challenges related to governance, insecurity, economic hardship and public service delivery.

They maintain that scholars who possess leadership experience, professional competence, integrity and a clear vision for public service should be free to seek elective offices and participate directly in efforts to improve governance.

According to this view, meaningful political change may require responsible citizens, including religious leaders, to move beyond public criticism and take part in the decision-making process.

Weighing in on the debate in a Facebook post, Gumi said there was nothing wrong with religious scholars joining politics and participating actively in governance.

He argued that clerics who enter politics and endure its demands are making a more direct contribution than those who remain outside the political system and only offer prayers for elected officials.

“A religious scholar who gets involved in politics and bears its rigours is better than one who sits on a prayer mat, offering prayers for politicians,” Gumi wrote.

Gumi’s comments reflect the view that religious scholars should be prepared to participate in practical efforts aimed at improving leadership and governance rather than limiting their involvement to sermons, prayers and public commentary.

The scholar’s position has added a fresh dimension to the ongoing conversation about the relationship between religion and politics in Nigeria, especially as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum.

The debate is expected to remain active as more religious leaders consider political appointments or elective offices and as Nigerians continue to assess the role of faith-based leadership in public governance.

While supporters believe clerics can bring moral values, discipline and accountability into government, critics insist that religious leaders must carefully protect their independence and avoid allowing political affiliations to divide their communities.

Ultimately, the debate raises broader questions about whether direct political participation would enable religious scholars to contribute more effectively to governance or expose them to political pressures that could affect their religious responsibilities and public influence.

Gumi: Clerics who join politics are better than those praying for politicians

Atiku Accuses Obasanjo of Distorting History, Defends Role in Third-Term Battle

ABUJA – Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of attempting to rewrite history, insisting that he has no regrets for opposing the controversial third-term agenda during the Obasanjo administration.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Obasanjo’s recent public comments reflected “personal resentment” rather than historical facts.

According to the former vice president, his opposition to the third-term agenda was driven by his commitment to Nigeria’s Constitution and democratic principles.

“I am proud that I stood against the third-term agenda. I am proud that I stood by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I have no apology whatsoever for frustrating every attempt to subvert our democracy for personal ambition,” Atiku said.

He maintained that no individual was greater than Nigeria, stressing that democracy ultimately triumphed over what he described as an unconstitutional bid to extend presidential tenure.

Atiku also claimed that the hostility between him and Obasanjo stemmed from his refusal to support the third-term project, saying he would wear any resentment arising from that decision “as a badge of honour.”

The former vice president further argued that history would remember the constitutional struggle as a victory for democracy rather than a personal feud between two political figures.

Atiku also referenced recent remarks by Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who reportedly praised the economic management team under the Obasanjo administration, saying the commendation underscored the contributions made during his tenure as vice president.

He alleged that despite such recognition, Obasanjo remained determined to downplay his role in what he described as one of Nigeria’s most successful periods of economic management.

The ADC presidential candidate also recalled supporting Obasanjo during his imprisonment under the late military regime, claiming he assisted his family, worked for his release, and later helped mobilise political structures that contributed to Obasanjo’s emergence as president in 1999.

While saying he did not regret those efforts, Atiku warned against what he described as attempts to replace gratitude with historical revisionism.

He expressed disappointment that, at a time when Nigeria faces economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment, a former president was focusing on old political disagreements instead of offering solutions to national challenges.

“The 2027 election should be about rebuilding Nigeria, restoring security, reviving the economy and giving hope to the next generation—not reopening old political wounds,” he said.

Atiku added that although he had maintained silence over the years out of respect for Obasanjo and the office he once occupied, he would no longer allow what he called repeated distortions of history to go unanswered.

He concluded by saying his focus remained on Nigeria’s future, declaring that “history is stubborn” and that both history and the Nigerian people would ultimately deliver their verdict.

Atiku Accuses Obasanjo of Distorting History, Defends Role in Third-Term Battle