Movement secures stakeholders’ approval to explore alternative political platforms ahead of 2027 elections
By Suleiman Aremu | Solaremnews
The Kwara G15, a leading political bloc within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, has formally rebranded as The Otoge Progressives (TOP), unveiling a new identity as part of efforts to expand its membership, promote inclusive leadership, strengthen internal democracy and preserve the ideals that inspired the 2019 Otoge political movement.
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 political stakeholders drawn from the sixteen local government areas of the state.
According to the movement, the rebranding marks a new phase in its political evolution following its rapid expansion since emerging in June. It explained that the bloc, which initially comprised ten APC governorship aspirants, members of the National Assembly, party elders and other influential stakeholders, has continued to attract more political leaders and grassroots supporters across the state.
The leaders said the transition from G15 to The Otoge Progressives became necessary to provide a broader platform for individuals committed to strengthening internal democracy, promoting inclusive politics and sustaining the principles upon which the Otoge movement was founded.
Speaking at the event, the spokesperson of the movement and former Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe, described the rebranding as a reflection of growth rather than division, stressing that the founding members remained united and committed to their shared objectives.
He said the movement had continued to attract respected political figures and stakeholders from across Kwara State, maintaining that its activities were driven by collective interest rather than individual political ambition.
Senator Oloriegbe also commended party members and supporters for remaining steadfast despite what he described as sustained political pressure and intimidation.
According to him, the leadership was fully aware of alleged attempts to lure members through financial inducements, promises of political appointments and other personal benefits, as well as reported cases of threats, blackmail, name-calling and intimidation targeted at those unwilling to abandon their convictions.
“We are conscious of the difficulties confronting many of our supporters. We are aware of efforts to secure their allegiance through financial inducements, promises of political appointments and other personal advantages. We have also received disturbing accounts of threats, intimidation, blackmail, name-calling and undue pressure directed at those who refuse to abandon their convictions.
“We understand the burden you carry. We appreciate the price you are paying for standing on principle, and we assure you that the leadership of this movement stands firmly beside you,” he said.
Also addressing the gathering, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Salman Jawondo, SAN, said protecting democratic values and internal party democracy remained a collective responsibility.
He assured members that the movement would continue to pursue its objectives through lawful, democratic and constitutional means.
The bloc also unanimously rejected all candidates produced by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for elective positions across the state, describing them as inconsistent with the ideals of the Otoge Revolution, which stakeholders collectively fought to achieve.
The movement further alleged that the candidates represented a vehicle through which the governor intended to perpetuate his influence in government beyond his constitutionally permitted two terms, describing it as an attempt at a “third term” by proxy.
Earlier at a separate stakeholders’ meeting held at Notkel in Ilorin, participants overwhelmingly approved a proposal empowering the leadership of the movement to explore alternative political options ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The approval followed an open voice vote coordinated by Barrister Jawondo, after which stakeholders proposed the establishment of a committee to examine available political options and submit recommendations to the leadership within one week.
The meeting also reaffirmed the movement’s 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 in President Tinubu and endorsed his re-election for a second term in the 2027 presidential election. The motion received overwhelming support from participants.
Among prominent personalities present at the event were Senator Saliu Mustapha, Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe, Senator Sodiq Umar, Senator Lola Ashiru, Mr Dele Belgore, SAN, Ambassador Yahaya Seriki-Gambari (represented), Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (represented), Hon. Bio Umar, Alhaji Tajudeen Abdulkadir Audu, Senator Ajadi Makanjuola, Senator Ahmed Ahmed, Senator Bisi Oyewo, Hon. Adamu Manko, Hon. Ahmed Abubakar Ndakene, Captain Ahmad Mahmud, Hon. James Kolo, Hon. Yinka Aluko, Hon. Tijani, Hon. Razak Owolabi, Hon. Gideon, Hon. Odetundun and Hon. Jimoh Abdulrahman Alapata.
Others included Chief James Bamisaiye Ayenioye, JP, Alhaji Baba Olosasa, Alhaji Baba Adefalu, Barrister Salman Jawondo, SAN, Dr Yakub Yahaya Oloriegbe, Lt. Col. Abubakar Edun (Rtd.), Mallam Adebayo Abdullateef Oloyin, immediate Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Alhaja Aishat Bolanle Ismail, popularly known as Iya-Lamule, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilisation, party elders from across Kwara State, former public office holders, women leaders and youth leaders.
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