OBIdient, Kwankwasiyya Diaspora Groups Seek National Democratic Coalition at UK Summit

The OBIdient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement have intensified efforts to forge a broad-based national democratic coalition, with leaders of both groups calling for stronger collaboration among Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to promote good governance, accountability and citizen participation.

The call was made during the maiden OBIdient–Kwankwasiyya Global Diaspora Conference held at the Springdale Methodist Community Centre, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom, where participants from Europe, Africa, North America and other parts of the world converged to discuss national development and democratic consolidation.

The conference, organised by the OBIdient Movement Europe in collaboration with the Kwankwasiyya Movement Diaspora, attracted physical and virtual participants from the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, Spain, the United States, Nigeria and several other countries.

Declaring the conference open, the OBIdient Lead for Europe, Damola Adebayo, said the gathering represented the beginning of a strategic partnership among Nigerians committed to placing national interest above political differences.

Adebayo said, “This conference is about building bridges, encouraging dialogue and working together as Nigerians who believe in a better future for our country. Our goal is to unite patriotic Nigerians around the values of good governance, accountability and national development.”

He added, “Today’s success is only the first step, and we look forward to even greater engagements as we continue to mobilise and prepare for the future.”

According to him, the conference underscored the commitment of both movements to building partnerships capable of driving democratic reforms and sustainable national development.

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was represented at the conference by the Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in the Diaspora, Dr Muhammed Hamisu.

Other speakers included the Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement UK, Percy Nduka; Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement Germany, Lewis Ugochuku; Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement Greece, Anselm; Coordinator of the Kwankwasiyya Movement UK, Dr Mujahid Muhammed; Convener of the OK Movement Worldwide, Jackie Wayas; and the Director of Diaspora, OK Movement, Kolade Kayode.

Speaking on the significance of the collaboration, Nduka said the conference had demonstrated that Nigerians could work together irrespective of political affiliations.

He said, “This conference has shown what is possible when Nigerians come together with respect, purpose and a shared commitment to national progress. We are building relationships that transcend political differences because the future of Nigeria is bigger than any one movement.”

He added that the conference should serve as a catalyst for stronger collaboration among Nigerians committed to building a united and prosperous nation.

Representing Kwankwaso, Hamisu described the conference as evidence of the readiness of Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute meaningfully to the country’s democratic and socio-economic development.

He said, “Our participation today demonstrates that Nigerians in the diaspora are ready to contribute positively to the nation’s future. Dialogue, mutual respect and collaboration are essential if we are to build a stronger, more united Nigeria.”

Hamisu urged Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, to embrace constructive engagement and collective responsibility in addressing the country’s challenges.

Speakers at the conference emphasised the strategic role of the diaspora in strengthening democratic values, promoting peaceful political participation and deploying their expertise, experience and resources to support national development.

Participants also exchanged ideas on expanding cooperation between both movements, strengthening civic engagement and building stronger diaspora networks capable of supporting Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.

At the end of the conference, participants resolved to deepen collaboration among diaspora organisations, broaden engagement across Europe and other regions, and sustain initiatives aimed at promoting national unity, democratic participation and active citizenship.

The organisers expressed appreciation to participants who travelled from different countries to attend the conference physically, as well as those who joined virtually, describing the summit as the beginning of a series of strategic engagements designed to foster national dialogue, strengthen democratic culture and encourage greater involvement of Nigerians in the diaspora in nation-building.