Obi-Kwankwaso Movement Names 59-Member Campaign Council for 2027 Polls

The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement isn't wasting time, launching a formidable 59-member presidential campaign council on Thursday. This is all part of their game plan to wrestle power in the 2027 general elections, putting forward the joint ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The council is a whole structure, not just a few names thrown around. It's packed with zonal and state coordinators, plus directors for crucial areas like mobilisation, women's affairs, strategy, security, and legal matters. Leading the charge as the Director-General of the campaign is John Ughulu, who is also the Director-General of the movement itself. Saadatu Sani, the National Secretary, is also a big part of this leadership team.

To make sure no stone is left unturned, the council has representation from all six geopolitical zones in the country, plus the Federal Capital Territory. And for every single one of the 36 states, there's a designated coordinator. They've also got directors looking after specific jobs, including grassroots mobilisation, women's empowerment, how to connect and engage with people, special tasks, procurement, IT, legal issues, strategy and planning, security and intelligence, and general administration.

This move comes as the movement ramps up its efforts to gather support for Obi and Kwankwaso. It's a clear sign that they're serious about making a run for the presidency.

Saadatu Sani, the National Secretary, sent out a congratulatory message to the newly appointed folks, making it clear this isn't just a pat on the back. "Your selection is not merely an appointment; it is a call to duty, sacrifice, leadership and service to Nigeria," she stated. She hammered home the weight of their task, saying, "At this critical moment in our nation’s history, the responsibility before the presidential campaign council is enormous."

She went on to explain the mission: "You have been entrusted with the task of taking the vision, message and aspirations of our principals directly to the Nigerian people from the cities to the grassroots, from the states to the local governments, and from the wards to every community across the federation. Your appointment is an honour, but more importantly, it is a responsibility. The journey has begun. The assignment is clear. The mission is Nigeria."

But it's not just about personalities, Sani stressed. The Obi and Kwankwaso campaign is supposed to be about a bigger national picture, not just individual ambitions. "The OK Movement is not built around individuals seeking personal recognition. It is a movement driven by a larger national vision: to mobilise Nigerians around the possibility of a better, more prosperous, united and functional Nigeria."

She expects everyone on the council to bring their A-game: discipline, loyalty, humility, courage, and a solid commitment to the movement's shared goals. "The road ahead will require hard work. It will require strategic thinking, grassroots mobilisation, effective communication and, above all, the ability to work together as one formidable political family," she added.

Their immediate job? Making sure Obi and Kwankwaso's message gets to every corner of the country. "Our responsibility is to ensure that the message of our principals reaches every Nigerian and that the voice of the people is heard across the length and breadth of our nation," Sani said.

Some of the specific appointments include Suleiman Abubakar as North-Central coordinator, Hashimu Dungurawa for the North-West, and Amadu Gwambe in the North-East. Dr Adebayo Adefolaseye will head up the South-West, with Christopher Ighodaro in the South-South, and El-Shaddai Ikeh for the South-East.

Then there are the directors: Rev Mike Agbon is in charge of Inter-Ethnic Groups in Northern Nigeria, Sabo Gashua will handle Grassroots Mobilisation, and Glory Adayi is the Director of Women Affairs. Kabir Yahaya is tasked with Contact and Engagement, while Abdumumini Tijjani is another Mobilisation Director. Yusuf Mani is looking after Special Duties, Peace Daful is the Procurement Director, and Sunmisola Adebayo is heading up Information Technology. Prof Charles Nwekeaku is designated for South Eastern Town Hall events, and Kingdom Okere will lead the Legal Affairs team. Abiodun Dabiri is the Strategy and Planning Director, and Richard Enemona CSP (retd.) takes the reins of Security and Intelligence.

Aisha Abdulrahaman will oversee Administration.

This announcement comes on the heels of the movement reaffirming its independent stance last month, choosing not to merge with any other political group before the 2027 elections. They also reaffirmed Ughulu as their founder and Director-General.

Just days before this council unveiling, the OK Movement spoke out against what they called the disruption of Peter Obi's convoy during a visit to Benue State. They demanded a thorough, impartial investigation into the incident, stating that their security personnel had to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from turning violent.