The national leadership of the OK Movement has rejected proposals to merge the organisation with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), reaffirming its commitment to remain an independent grassroots support movement.
The decision was reached at the movement’s National Leadership Summit in Abuja, attended by representatives from the six geopolitical zones, 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The summit also unanimously endorsed the movement’s founder, Mr. John Ughulu, as its Director-General, amid ongoing efforts by opposition groups to forge alliances and consolidate political structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, the organisation said Ughulu’s continued leadership was necessary because the movement’s grassroots structures had been built largely around his credibility and direct relationship with its volunteers.
The communiqué, signed by Convener Barrister Oladipo Johnson, Deputy Director-General (North) Prince Suleiman Abubakar, Deputy Director-General (South) Mrs. Oluwatoyin Lanihun, and National Secretary Saadatu Mohammed Sani, said the resolutions were reached unanimously.
The movement said its structures were built “ward by ward” through the personal credibility of its founder, adding that members’ loyalty was rooted in the leadership and support Ughulu had provided since the organisation’s formation.
Consequently, the summit rejected any proposal to replace him as Director-General.
On the proposed merger with the NDC, the movement said it would neither merge with nor be absorbed into another political organisation.
According to the communiqué, an externally imposed merger could disrupt ongoing programmes, weaken the movement’s identity and undermine the grassroots momentum it had built.
However, the OK Movement stressed that retaining its independence would not prevent cooperation with political allies.
“Independence does not mean isolation: we remain ready to coordinate closely with allied groups in pursuit of shared goals,” the organisation said.
The movement also disclosed that some state, local government and ward leaders had indicated that they could withdraw from its activities if Ughulu was removed or the organisation’s independence compromised.
It described the position as a reflection of the mood within its grassroots structures rather than an attempt to influence ongoing negotiations.
The leadership said it made its position public to ensure that stakeholders and Nigerians had an accurate understanding of the grassroots structures that would remain operational under any proposed political arrangement.
Leadership Changes and Reconciliation
The summit also invited Ms. Jacky Wayas to return to the movement as Director of Strategic Implementation and Planning, a position she previously held.
The leadership said her contributions remained highly valued and expressed its willingness to welcome her back as part of efforts to strengthen unity within the organisation.
The summit further approved the appointment of Prince Suleiman Abubakar as Deputy Director-General (North), following the resignation of Ambassador Muhammad Auwal Musa.
The movement commended Auwal Musa for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.
Following the summit, the national leadership visited former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at his residence to brief him on the outcome of the meeting and its position on preserving the unity of the movement.
The delegation also met with the Chairman of the movement’s Advisory Council, Alhaji Buba Galadima, who, according to the communiqué, reaffirmed the importance of unity and advised against merging the organisation with the NDC in the name of efficiency.
The OK Movement said it remained committed to mobilising Nigerians at the grassroots in pursuit of its vision for a better Nigeria.
It called on stakeholders to respect what it described as the collective decision of its grassroots members at the national summit.
The leadership maintained that its position was not a rejection of broader opposition cooperation, but an effort to ensure that any political collaboration preserves the identity, leadership and grassroots structures the movement has built over time.
The communiqué was endorsed by the national officers, while the signatures of the six geopolitical zonal coordinators and 37 state coordinators were contained in an attached annexure.
