Obi-Kwankwaso Movement inaugurates Cross River executives, unveils secretariat

Stakeholders during the flag off of OK movement in Calabar. Photo: Emem Julius

Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Obi/Kwankwaso Movement has inaugurated its Cross River State executive members and unveiled its state secretariat in Calabar, describing it as the “working home” for its political activities ahead of the election and beyond.

The OK Movement is a platform mobilising support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 general election.

The event, held on Saturday in Calabar, was attended by party leaders and stakeholders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, coordinators from the 18 local government areas of the state and supporters who turned out despite the heavy downpour.

The National Convener of the movement, Jackie Wayas, said the turnout despite the weather demonstrated commitment to the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket, describing the unveiling of the state office as the beginning of a new direction for the people of Cross River State.

She said, “I bring greetings from His Excellency, Peter Obi and His Excellency Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso. Today marks the beginning of a new direction for the people of Cross River State. Come rain, come sunshine, we are here. We are here to reposition Nigeria.”

Wayas, while commending NDC supporters and Kwankwasiyya members, urged them to return to their polling units and wards to mobilise voters ahead of the 2027 election.

She said more votes for Obi and Kwankwaso would provide an opportunity for a new Nigeria.

“We need to go back to our wards and polling units to mobilize votes for Peter Obi and Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso. Any vote for them is for a new Nigeria. This is the hard work. It needs collective effort of all well-meaning OK Movement supporters,” Wayas said.

In his welcome address, the State Coordinator, Egwu Arong, said the unveiling of the secretariat would enhance organisation, coordination, documentation and grassroots mobilisation across wards and polling units.

“This secretariat is not merely a building, it is a working home for organization, coordination, documentation and grassroots mobilization. From this place, the voices of Cross River people will be gathered, their concerns structured, and their hope channeled into disciplined political action in support of our Presidential Candidate, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi,” Arong said.

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He said the movement in Cross River would focus on three pillars: clear coordination from the state to polling units; mobilisation and peaceful engagement of youths, women and the informal sector; and discipline and respect for law and order.

Arong charged members to register voters and “stand firmly with the NDC candidates”, saying the group would work to deliver Cross River State to the NDC.

On his part, the State Chairman of the NDC, Goddy Akpama, said the party was prepared for the general election, stressing that it would field credible candidates who would seek to improve the country’s economic situation through strategic reforms and development initiatives at the state and federal levels.

“Nigerians are waiting for good governance. When there’s a good government in place, the people rejoice. Today, you walk on the streets, you can hardly see a Nigerian smiling, because Nigeria is not yet okay.

“What we did in 2023, we will do in 2027, but this time we will ensure, physically, that those votes that you cast will result in good governance because we are going to the race with credible candidates who will transform the country’s economic situation with strategic reforms and development initiatives at both state and federal levels,” he said.

The Cross River Deputy Governorship Candidate of the NDC, Stella Archibong, urged members to translate their enthusiasm into votes, adding that the time was not for mere talks but for action.

“The new Nigeria is possible. This is not the time to talk too much, but the time to put action more than words. Our vote is our power. It is time to use our votes rightly. From the presidency down to the least office, let us go out there and vote NDC all the way,” she said.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Cletus Amawu, in his vote of thanks, thanked the national and state leadership for the opportunity and promised vigilance during the elections.

“We have listened to all speakers that have spoken. It is not just enough. We will vote. We will count. And our vote will count,” Amawu said.