Wahabies are followers of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab, like you said a man in 18th century… this 18th Century man may had good intentions for reforms but these seems to be poison for the Islamic Ummah since then.
Firstly, it created further division among already divided muslims, 2ndly and most importantly, their alliance with Saud Family to fight along with Brits against the Muslims Khilafah..
In Sub-Continent, Brits used Raza Khaniyat and Qadyaniyat to use the religious emotions to have the moral support from Brit Raj, in Arab Lands, this was done through Wahabiyat.
It is said that they have some good traits and i totally agree with that and would like to bring a comment of Imam-Tamimi which he made on Kharjies, that their collection of hadees is one of the finest… but that doesn’t make Kharjies any good.
Wahabies try hard to call themselves Ghair muqalid but actually they follow Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab’s teaching… the religion of Wahabies is perfect example of using religion for governing/ruling…
In Pakistan/Sub-Continent, there are Ahl-e-Hadees which are most of the time called Wahabies, but these ahl-e-hadees has nothing to do with the wahabis of Arabia, if i re-call it right, ahl-e-hadees are the result of Shah Wali Ullah’s movement in 17 or 18 century..