Rift Over Party Authority Hits OK Movement as Operations Head Francis Nnoli Resigns
The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement (OK Movement) has been hit by internal instability following the resignation of its National Head of Operations, Francis Nnoli, amid a dispute regarding the group’s relationship with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Nnoli announced his exit in a statement issued on Sunday, citing the need for political discipline, organizational structure, and institutional alignment between support groups, political candidates, and the party.
The rift centers on whether the support group should operate as an independent entity or align formally under the structure and authority of the NDC—the political platform hosting Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso’s joint 2027 presidential ticket.
Disputes Over Independence and Campaign Structures
The resignation follows remarks attributed to the movement’s Director-General, John Ugulu, who asserted that the OK Movement remains an independent body with no formal allegiance to the NDC, adding that it does not require the party’s endorsement or directives to execute its activities.
The friction intensified after a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council was unveiled under Ugulu’s leadership. The NDC leadership subsequently distanced itself from the council, declaring that only recognized party organs hold the mandate to establish official campaign structures.
In his resignation statement, Nnoli noted that the lack of structural clarity made it untenable to continue in his role:
“Every support structure established around a political ticket must operate with a clear understanding of its relationship with the political party, its candidates, and the broader political mandate it seeks to advance.“Where a movement exists primarily to mobilise support for candidates contesting an election under the platform of a political party, questions of coordination, authorisation, communication, and institutional responsibility cannot simply be dismissed.”
Commitment to the Broader Ticket
Despite stepping down from his executive role, Nnoli clarified that his decision does not signify a withdrawal from the broader Obi-Kwankwaso political project.
Reaffirming his support for the campaign’s overarching goals, he advised movement members to avoid establishing parallel structures or circulating conflicting communications that could cause confusion among supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
