Jane Salihu
The Coordinator of the OK Movement in the United Kingdom, Mr Adebayo Brown, has criticised what he described as misplaced political priorities among some opposition political leaders, urging them to focus on grassroots mobilisation and preparations for the 2027 general elections rather than engaging in personal disputes.
Brown made the remarks in a statement issued in the United Kingdom, in which he expressed concern over what he described as persistent attacks on the National Director-General of the OK Movement, Hon. John Ozyl Ughulu.
He questioned the priorities of the Coordinator of the Obidient Movement and the Director-General of the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), arguing that their positions required strategic leadership, effective coordination and mobilisation of supporters ahead of the forthcoming elections.
According to him, rather than concentrating on strengthening their respective political structures, attention was being diverted towards Hon. Ughulu and the activities of the OK Movement.
Brown particularly faulted repeated claims by the Obidient Movement Coordinator, identified as MO, that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had distanced themselves from the OK Movement.
He questioned the relevance of such claims to the broader objective of building political structures and advancing democratic participation ahead of the elections.
The OK Movement coordinator maintained that the strength of the organisation was anchored on its ideology, principles and core values rather than the approval or political positions of individuals.
He also defended Ughulu’s leadership, describing him as a successful businessman and committed advocate of workers’ interests who had invested considerable personal resources, time and energy in building the movement.
Brown said Ughulu’s contributions should not be misrepresented as an attempt to pursue personal gains, adding that his commitment to justice, equity and fairness remained central to the movement’s founding principles.
He further argued that the Coordinator of the Obidient Movement could not automatically speak on behalf of Peter Obi or unilaterally determine the political positions of Obi and Kwankwaso without clear and verifiable communication.
Despite the disagreements, Brown stressed that the OK Movement, Obidient Movement and NDC should not be regarded as enemies, insisting that they shared a common democratic responsibility ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged the Obidient Movement Coordinator to concentrate on rebuilding and restructuring the organisation, strengthening its grassroots presence and demonstrating leadership through measurable results.
Brown disclosed that the OK Movement had advised Ughulu to disregard what he described as distractions and remain focused on strengthening the movement’s structures and contributing to the defence of Nigeria’s democracy.
He maintained that the movement would not be intimidated or distracted by political disagreements, reaffirming its commitment to justice, equity, fairness, credible elections and a better Nigeria.
“The time for division is over. The time to work is now,” Brown declared.
