• Completed Project Unoccupied: The newly reconstructed Moscow Road complex features modern facilities and upgraded security, yet it remains empty nearly nine months after Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced its completion.

• Lawmakers’ Stance: Led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, the assembly resolved to continue using the residential quarters’ auditorium for legislative business, citing constitutional powers to regulate their own proceedings.

• Budget Presented Off-Site: Demonstrating that they have not yet relocated, the lawmakers received the state’s budget proposal directly at the residential quarters.

• Public and Stakeholder Reactions: Commentators, civil society groups like the Civil Liberties Organisation, and youth representatives have urged the assembly to move into the official chambers, noting that residential locations restrict public access and that the building should be put to use following political resolutions.

• Rival Leadership Claim: The conflict became public when Jackie Wayas, claiming to be the National Convener, announced the appointment of Peter Ameh as National Director-General. This move was immediately contested by other members who questioned her authority.

• Director-General Responds: John Ughulu, the Director-General, dismissed Wayas’s announcement, stating that the individuals involved had already been removed from the movement. He accused them of trying to alter the group’s original purpose and ideology, which he views as a long-term coalition distinct from the “Obidient” Movement.

• Former Spokesman Steps Aside: Justin Ijeh, the immediate past National Publicity Secretary, confirmed the internal strife but expressed concern over it becoming public. He announced he was stepping aside as spokesman until the competing claims were resolved, warning against infighting.

• Allegations of Hijack: Ughulu further alleged that the rival group, whom he claims are affiliated with the “Obidient” Movement, attempted to hijack the OK Movement. He asserted that Obi himself had warned against merging the structures of the two movements. Ughulu also cited previous disagreements with Wayas over funding and payment for coordinators.

Denial of Broader Rifts:

• Obidient Coordinator Denies Sack: In a separate development, reports surfaced claiming Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, was dismissed by Peter Obi over financial misconduct. Tanko vehemently denied this, stating he is not a signatory to any movement accounts and affirming that the Obidient and OK movements are working together as a team.

• Media Office Voids Rumors: Peter Obi’s media office also refuted the dismissal report, labeling it a fabricated story from political opponents designed to create artificial rifts and division within their support base. The office emphasized their commitment to national progress over personal squabbles.

• Dispute Seen as a Distraction: Political commentator Ladipo Johnson described the OK Movement’s leadership dispute as a distraction but not a threat to the overall election preparations. He confirmed that Peter Obi is aware of the situation and is unhappy about the internal conflict.