Supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso under the OK Movement have rejected any plan to merge the group with an external political organisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The OK Movement, a political platform established to mobilise support for the joint ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, reached the decision at its national leadership summit held in Abuja on Friday.

The group, which draws supporters from the Obidient Movement and Kwankwasiyya, also rejected an alleged plot to remove its Director-General and founder, John Ughulu, insisting that its grassroots structure was built around his leadership.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the Convener, Ladipo Johnson and National Secretary, Sadaatu Sani.

The summit was attended by national leaders, coordinators, state coordinators, as well as local government and ward-level mobilisers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Johnson, who is also the Lagos Central senatorial candidate of the NDC, said the movement had resolved to remain independent while maintaining its willingness to work with organisations pursuing similar objectives.

According to him, any externally imposed consolidation could disrupt programmes already underway and weaken the identity and grassroots momentum built by the movement.

“The Summit resolves that the OK Movement shall remain an independent organisation and shall not be merged into or absorbed by any external political body,” the communiqué stated.

The group, however, stressed that its decision to remain independent did not mean it would isolate itself from other political groups.

“Independence does not mean isolation: we remain ready to coordinate closely with allied groups in pursuit of shared goals,” it added.

On the leadership controversy, Johnson said the decision to retain Ughulu was based on his role in establishing the movement’s grassroots structure.

He warned that removing the Director-General or abandoning the organisation’s independent status could result in the collapse of its grassroots network.

“The Movement was built ward by ward, largely on the personal credibility of its founder with the volunteers who make up its ranks.

“Our loyalty is not to a title, but to the man who recruited, trained and stood with us,” he said.

The leadership also called for reconciliation with Ms Jacky Wayas, inviting her to return to the movement as Director for Strategic Implementation and Planning under Ughulu.

The summit further appointed Prince Suleiman Abubakar as Deputy Director-General (North), following the resignation of Amb. Muhammad Auwal Musa.

Following the summit, the OK Movement leadership visited Kwankwaso at his Abuja residence to brief him on the resolutions.

The leaders also met Alhaji Buba Galadima, head of the movement’s Advisory Council, who reportedly reaffirmed the importance of unity and encouraged the group to maintain its independence.

According to the communiqué, Galadima also cautioned against any proposal to merge the movement into the NDC, regardless of arguments that such a move could improve efficiency.

The development comes amid wider political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as opposition figures and groups explore alliances, coalitions and mergers aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The summit also comes barely a month after reports of fresh cracks within the movement following a leadership tussle that triggered accusations, counter-accusations and competing claims over its leadership.