Kwara APC G15 Rebrands as ‘The Otoge Progressives’, Rejects AbdulRazaq’s Candidates, Backs Tinubu
…Movement authorises leadership to explore alternative political platforms ahead of 2027 polls
The Kwara G15, a prominent political bloc within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, has formally rebranded as The Otoge Progressives (TOP), unveiling a new identity while rejecting candidates allegedly backed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and authorising its leadership to explore alternative political platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made on Thursday during a Stakeholders’ Engagement and Town Hall Meeting held at the Arca-Santa Arena in Ilorin, where the movement unveiled its new name, logo and identity before thousands of party faithful and stakeholders drawn from the 16 local government areas of the state.
Leaders of the movement said the rebranding marks a new phase in its efforts to promote inclusive leadership, internal democracy and preserve the ideals that inspired the 2019 Otoge political movement, which ended decades of political dominance in the state.
The bloc, which originally comprised ten APC governorship aspirants alongside serving and former members of the National Assembly, party elders and other influential stakeholders, explained that the transition from G15 to The Otoge Progressives (TOP) became necessary following its rapid expansion since its emergence in June.
According to the group, the new identity provides a broader platform for the increasing number of political leaders, party members and grassroots supporters identifying with its vision of strengthening internal democracy, promoting inclusive politics and sustaining the founding principles of the Otoge movement.
Speaking at the event, the spokesperson of the movement and former Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, described the rebranding as a reflection of growth rather than division.
He said the founding members remained united and committed to pursuing collective interests instead of individual political ambitions.
Oloriegbe noted that the movement had continued to attract respected political figures from across the state and expressed appreciation to members who had remained loyal despite what he described as sustained political pressure.
He alleged that many supporters had been subjected to financial inducements, promises of appointments, intimidation and blackmail in attempts to weaken the movement, but assured them that the leadership would remain steadfast in defending its ideals.
Read Also:
“We understand the burden many of our supporters carry and appreciate the sacrifices they have made for standing on principle. We assure them that the leadership of this movement stands firmly with them,” he said.
Also addressing the gathering, former Kwara State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Salman Jawondo, SAN, said the protection of democratic values and internal party democracy remained a collective responsibility.
He stressed that the movement would continue to pursue its objectives through lawful, democratic and constitutional means.
In a major resolution, the bloc unanimously rejected candidates allegedly endorsed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for elective offices across the state, describing them as inconsistent with the ideals of the 2019 Otoge revolution.
The group further alleged that the emergence of the candidates was part of an attempt to extend the governor’s political influence beyond his constitutionally permitted tenure.
Earlier at a separate stakeholders’ meeting held at Notkel in Ilorin, participants overwhelmingly endorsed a proposal empowering the leadership of the movement to explore alternative political options ahead of the 2027 elections.
The resolution was adopted through a voice vote coordinated by Jawondo after stakeholders approved the constitution of a committee to examine available political platforms and submit recommendations to the leadership within one week.
Despite its differences with the state leadership of the APC, the movement reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A motion moved by the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Senator Saliu Mustapha, passed a vote of confidence on the President and endorsed his re-election bid for a second term in 2027.
The motion received overwhelming support from participants at the meeting.
Among those in attendance were Senators Saliu Mustapha, Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, Sodiq Umar, Lola Ashiru, Ahmed Ahmed, Bisi Oyewo and Ajadi Makanjuola; former Attorney-General Barrister Salman Jawondo, SAN; Mr. Dele Belgore, SAN; Ambassador Yahaya Seriki-Gambari (represented); Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (represented); Hon. Bio Umar; Alhaji Tajudeen AbdulKadir Audu; Captain Ahmad Mahmud; Hon. Ahmed Abubakar Ndakene; Hon. Yinka Aluko; Hon. James Kolo; Hon. Adamu Manko; Hon. Jimoh Abdulrahman Alapata; Chief James Bamisaiye Ayenioye, JP; Alhaji Baba Olosasa; Alhaji Baba Adefalu; Lt. Col. Abubakar Edun (Rtd.); Dr. Yakub Yahaya Oloriegbe; Alhaja Aishat Bolanle Ismail (Iya-Lamule), alongside party elders, former public office holders, women and youth leaders from across Kwara State.
By PRNigeria
