By Kelvin Obambon
The political landscape in Cross River on Saturday witnessed a major realignment as the “OK Movement”, a political coalition backing the joint platform of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, officially launched its state secretariat and flagged off the Obi/Kwankwaso Movement in Calabar.
The event, which drew NDC leaders, candidates, community leaders, and supporters despite heavy rainfall, marked the formal kickoff of the movement’s grassroots mobilization drive across the 18 local government areas in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Welcoming attendees during the ceremony, the Cross River State Coordinator of the OK Movement, Mr. Egwu Arong, declared that the newly unveiled secretariat is designed to serve as an operational hub for disciplined political strategy rather than just a symbolic structure.
“This secretariat is not merely a building; it is a working home for organization, coordination, documentation, and grassroots mobilization,” Arong stated. “From this place, the voices of Cross River people will be gathered, their concerns structured, and their hope channeled into disciplined political action.”
He outlined the core mandate of the movement, stating that its strategy rests on three key pillars: building a seamless organizational command down to the polling units, maintaining continuous and lawful engagement with youth and women, and adhering to strict character and discipline.
“Our task is national, but the work begins here in Cross River State,” Arong who is the NDC Senatorial candidate for Cross River South Senatorial District charged party members. “Let us register our people, let us listen to the wards, and let us stand firmly with our candidates. Let us keep our message clean, our conduct lawful, and our hope alive.”
Delivering his address while officially opening the building, the Convener of the OK Movement, Jackie Wayas, praised the resilience of supporters who stood through the downpour to witness the ceremony. He conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the principal movement leaders, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
“Today marks the beginning of a new direction for the people of Cross River State. That they have come out under the rain reminds me of the saying: ‘come rain, come sunshine, we did it,'” Wayas said. “This secretariat, we dedicate it to the glory of God and to the betterment of Nigeria.”
Goodwill messages were also delivered by prominent leaders of NDC political structure in the state.
Addressing the crowd, the State Chairman of NDC, Godwin Akpama, commended supporters for their continued faith in the mandate and urged citizens to use their constitutional power to vote out poor governance. Building on this sentiment, the NDC Deputy Governorship candidate for Cross River State, Bishop Dr. Stella Archibong, called on women and party faithful to mobilize heavily across all ballot levels, stating, “It is time to go out and change the narrative… this is the time for action.”
On his part, Ray Ugbe Murphy, NDC stalwart, expressed optimism for the future, predicting that the coalition would replicate and build upon its past electoral momentum. “When there is a good government, people rejoice. The OK Movement will replicate the feat achieved in 2023 come 2027,” he declared.
Also speaking, another party stalwart, Dr. John Ushie urged all residents to ensure they acquire their permanent voter cards (PVCs) and participate on election day. Similarly, Cletus Amawu, Chairman of the Planning Committee, referenced recent Osun elections to emphasize vigilance, advising supporters to guard their votes closely at the polling units until official results are announced.
