The Kwara G15, a prominent political bloc within the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kwara State, has officially rebranded as The Otoge Progressives, TOP, distancing itself from candidates picked by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for 2027 elections.
They said they are ushering in a new phase in the movement’s push for inclusive leadership, internal democracy, and the preservation of the ideals that birthed the 2019 Otoge political movement.
The rebranding was unveiled on Thursday at a Stakeholders’ Engagement and Town Hall meeting held at the Arca-Santa Arena in Ilorin, where the movement’s new name, logo, and identity were formally presented to thousands of party faithful and political stakeholders drawn from all sixteen local government areas of the state.
Originally formed by ten APC governorship aspirants alongside members of the National Assembly, party elders, and other influential stakeholders, the movement said the rebranding reflects its rapid expansion since its emergence in June 2026, with more political leaders and grassroots stakeholders aligning with its objectives.
According to its leaders, the transition from G15 to The Otoge Progressives became necessary to accommodate the movement’s growing membership and to provide a broader platform for individuals who share its vision of strengthening internal democracy, promoting inclusive politics, and sustaining the principles upon which the Otoge movement was founded.
Leaders Speak: Growth, Not Division
Addressing the gathering, the spokesperson of the movement and former Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe, stressed that the rebranding signified growth rather than division, noting that the founding members remained united and committed to their shared objectives.
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He said the movement had continued to attract respected political figures and stakeholders from across the state, emphasising that its activities were driven by collective interest rather than personal political ambition.
Senator Oloriegbe commended party members and supporters for their steadfastness despite what he described as sustained political pressure and intimidation.
“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.
Former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Salman Jawondo, SAN, said the movement regarded the protection of democratic values and internal party democracy as a collective responsibility, adding that its members would continue to pursue their objectives through lawful, democratic, and constitutional means.
Rejection of Governor Abdulrazak’s Candidates
The bloc unanimously rejected all candidates produced by Governor Abdulrazak for elective positions across the state, describing them as “a disgrace to the ideals of the Otoge Revolution that stakeholders collectively fought for.”
The stakeholders alleged that the candidates were being deployed as a conduit through which the Governor hopes to perpetuate himself for a “Third Term” in government after exhausting his constitutionally allowed two-term tenure.
Earlier, at a separate stakeholders’ meeting, participants overwhelmingly endorsed 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 a committee was proposed to examine available political options and make appropriate recommendations to the leadership within one week.
The meeting also reaffirmed the movement’s support for President Bola Tinubu. A motion moved by the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Senator Saliu Mustapha, reaffirmed the stakeholders’ Vote of Confidence in President Tinubu and endorsed his re-election for a second term in office in 2027. The motion received overwhelming support from participants.
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); 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; and Alhaja Aishat Bolanle Ismail (aka Iya-Lamule), SSA Women Mobilisation to the Governor, alongside party elders across Kwara State, former public office holders, women leaders, and youth leaders.
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