2027: OPA Mobilises 30 Groups, Oniyangi Urges APC Members to Bury Differences

 

The Oniyangi Progressive Alliance (OPA), comprising more than 30 affiliate groups, has begun mobilising grassroots support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s senatorial ambition and the governorship aspiration of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Salihu Danladi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The alliance also called on aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State to put aside their differences and unite for the party’s electoral success.

The OPA Coordinator, Hon. Mohammed Kamal Deen, disclosed the alliance’s mobilisation plans during a press briefing, while its convener, Mallam AbdulAzeez Yinka Oniyangi, appealed for reconciliation among party members in an interview with journalists in Ilorin on Friday.

The two leaders stressed the need for unity, disciplined political engagement and effective grassroots mobilisation as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kamal Deen said the alliance, under Oniyangi’s leadership, was strengthening its organisational structures and communication strategies to support the APC and its candidates across Kwara State and at the national level.

“Political success requires more than enthusiasm; it demands preparation, teamwork, effective communication and a genuine connection with the people,” he said.

He explained that OPA’s mobilisation strategy would focus on coordinating its affiliate groups, engaging communities and ensuring that political messages reached residents in clear and accessible language.

The coordinator described AbdulRazaq’s senatorial ambition in Kwara Central as a continuation of his contributions to governance, while expressing confidence in Danladi’s capacity to lead the state.

“We also stand behind Hon. Yakubu Salihu Danladi as our preferred choice for Governor of Kwara State. We believe Kwara deserves leadership that combines experience, energy, competence and a genuine commitment to the people,” Kamal Deen said.

He said the alliance’s support for Danladi was informed by its commitment to fairness, justice and inclusion, adding that all parts of the state should have a meaningful sense of belonging.

Kamal Deen reaffirmed OPA’s support for Tinubu’s re-election and other APC candidates, saying the alliance was committed to contributing to the party’s success through organised mobilisation and peaceful democratic participation.

He, however, cautioned supporters against unnecessary rivalry, insisting that cooperation among campaign organisations was essential to achieving their shared political objectives.

“Our objective is to contribute to a coordinated APC victory at all levels through organised mobilisation, responsible communication and peaceful democratic participation,” he said.

As part of its preparations, he said OPA was strengthening its Central Media Coordinating Directorate, which comprises units responsible for editorial production, digital and social media, field documentation, media monitoring, and radio and broadcast communication.

He explained that the initiative was designed to improve the dissemination of verified information, ensure consistent messaging and strengthen the alliance’s relationship with media organisations.

The coordinator also urged women, youths, affiliate groups and other supporters to remain united and disciplined, warning against misinformation, intimidation, personal attacks and divisive political conduct.

“We want OPA to be known not merely by the number of groups under its umbrella, but by the quality of its organisation, the strength of its grassroots relationships and its contribution to the political development of Kwara State,” he said.

Meanwhile, Oniyangi appealed to APC members dissatisfied with certain party decisions to embrace dialogue and reconciliation in the interest of the party.

Acknowledging the grievances within the party, the APC chieftain said the concerns of aggrieved members deserved consideration but urged them not to allow their differences to undermine the collective interest of the party.

“Any grievance is valid, no matter what, and I respect it. But I only plead that we are one family. It is only God that gives,” he said.

He urged party faithful to accept the outcome of the party’s decisions, resolve disagreements amicably and work together to strengthen the APC ahead of the next electoral contest.

According to him, disagreements are inevitable in political organisations, but the ability of members to manage them constructively would determine the party’s strength and electoral prospects.

Oniyangi expressed optimism about the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections, maintaining that the party could overcome its challenges through unity, perseverance and effective coordination.

“Insha Allah, our chances are bright, regardless of any challenges that you have. There is no smooth flight anywhere in the world. You must have your turbulence. The important thing is to have a proper and safe landing, and we are landing well,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of inclusiveness in political engagement, noting that his residence regularly receives visitors and supporters from different backgrounds and communities.

He said the interactions underscored the need to accommodate diverse opinions and bring people together in pursuit of common political goals.

The mobilisation drive and appeal for reconciliation come amid political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the APC facing the task of consolidating its grassroots support while managing internal disagreements.

OPA said it would continue to strengthen its structures and mobilise support for Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Danladi and other APC candidates, while Oniyangi maintained that party unity remained crucial to translating the ruling party’s political ambitions into electoral victories.