2027: Kwara G15 Rebrands as ‘The Otoge Progressives’, Rejects Governor’s Candidates, Pledges Massive Support For Tinubu 

 

By Felix Ajide

The Kwara G15, a leading political bloc within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, has formally rebranded as “The Otoge Progressives (TOP),” signalling what its leaders described as a new phase in the movement’s commitment to inclusive leadership, internal democracy and the preservation of the ideals that gave birth to the historic 2019 Otoge political movement.

The announcement was made on Thursday during a Stakeholders’ Engagement and Town Hall Meeting held at the Arca-Santa Arena, Ilorin, where the movement unveiled its new name, logo and corporate identity before thousands of party faithful, political leaders and stakeholders drawn from the sixteen local government areas of the state.

The movement, which was originally formed by ten APC governorship aspirants alongside members of the National Assembly, party elders and other influential stakeholders, said the rebranding became necessary following its rapid expansion since its emergence in June, with an increasing number of political leaders and grassroots supporters identifying with its vision.

According to the leadership, the transition from G15 to The Otoge Progressives (TOP) reflects the movement’s growth and provides a broader platform for all party members and stakeholders committed to strengthening internal democracy, promoting inclusive politics and sustaining the principles upon which the Otoge Revolution was founded.

Addressing the gathering, the spokesperson of the movement and former Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe, said the rebranding symbolised growth, unity and renewed purpose rather than division, stressing that the founding members remained united and resolute in pursuing their collective objectives.

He noted that the movement had continued to attract respected political leaders and stakeholders from across Kwara State, adding that its activities were driven by the collective interest of the party and the people rather than individual political ambitions.

 

Senator Oloriegbe also commended members and supporters for their resilience despite what he described as sustained political pressure and intimidation, assuring them that the leadership would remain steadfast in defending democratic values and pursuing the ideals upon which the movement was established.

Also speaking, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Salman Jawondo, SAN, said the protection of democratic values and internal party democracy remained a collective responsibility of all progressive-minded members.

He stated that the movement would continue to pursue its objectives through lawful, democratic and constitutional means, while remaining committed to peaceful political engagement.

In a major resolution adopted at the meeting, the bloc unanimously rejected all candidates allegedly produced by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for elective positions across the state.

The movement described the candidates as inconsistent with the ideals of the Otoge Revolution, which, according to its leaders, was founded on fairness, justice and popular participation.

The group further alleged that the candidates represented a vehicle through which the governor intended to extend his political influence beyond his constitutionally permitted two terms in office, a development the stakeholders said they would resist through democratic means.

Earlier at a separate stakeholders’ meeting held at Notkel, Ilorin, participants overwhelmingly endorsed a proposal authorising the leadership of the movement to explore alternative political options ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The resolution followed an open voice vote coordinated by Barrister Jawondo, SAN, after which stakeholders approved the constitution of a committee to examine available political options and submit its recommendations to the leadership within one week.

Despite the resolutions, the stakeholders unanimously reaffirmed their loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and pledged their continued support for his administration.

A motion moved by the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Senator Saliu Mustapha, reaffirmed the stakeholders’ vote of confidence in President Tinubu and formally endorsed his re-election bid for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.

The motion received overwhelming support through a unanimous voice vote, underscoring what participants described as their unwavering commitment to President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda

Among those in attendance were Senator Saliu Mustapha; Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe; Senator Sodiq Umar; Senator Lola Ashiru; Mr Dele Belgore, SAN; Amb. Yahaya Seriki-Gambari (represented) Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (represented); Dr Alabi Oluwatoyin (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; Hon. Jimoh Abdulrahman Alapata;

Others include 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 aka Iya-Lamule, SSA Women Mobilisation to the Governor, Party elders across Kwara State; Former public office holders; Women leaders and youth leaders.