OBIdient, Kwankwasiyya Movement Hold Historic Global Alignment Conference

-Seek National Democratic Coalition At Diaspora Summit

The OBIdient Movement has intensified efforts to build a broad-based national coalition for democratic renewal, joining forces with the Kwankwasiyya Movement in the diaspora to rally Nigerians around good governance, accountability and greater citizen participation.

The move was announced at the maiden OBIdient–Kwankwasiyya Global Diaspora Conference held at the Springdale Methodist Community Centre in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom, where Nigerians from Europe, Africa, North America and other parts of the world gathered to chart a common path towards national development and democratic consolidation.

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

Opening the conference, OBIdient Lead for Europe, Mr Damola Adebayo, said the gathering marked the beginning of a strategic alliance among patriotic Nigerians determined to place the country’s interests above political divisions.

“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. 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,” Adebayo said.

He said the conference demonstrated the OBIdient Movement’s commitment to strengthening partnerships capable of driving democratic reforms and sustainable national development.

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

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

Speaking on the significance of the collaboration, Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement UK, Mr Percy Nduka, said the conference had proved that Nigerians could work together despite political differences.

“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. This is just the beginning,” he said.

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

Representing Kwankwaso, Dr Muhammed Hamisu described the conference as evidence of the willingness of Nigerians abroad to contribute meaningfully to the country’s democratic and socio-economic development.

“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. We look forward to sustaining this partnership in the years ahead,“ Hamisu said.

He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to embrace constructive engagement and collective responsibility in addressing the nation’s challenges.

Throughout the conference, speakers emphasised the strategic role of the diaspora in strengthening democratic values, encouraging peaceful political participation and deploying their expertise, experience and resources to accelerate 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.

Participants at the conference called for a commitment to deepen collaboration among diaspora organisations, broaden engagement across Europe and beyond, and sustain initiatives that promote national unity, democratic participation and active citizen involvement.

The organisers, however, thanked 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 aimed at fostering national dialogue, strengthening democratic culture and encouraging Nigerians in the diaspora to play a more active role in nation-building.