Kwara G15 unveils Oto Ge Progressives movement, rejects Gov. AbdulRazaq’s godfatherism
…Pledges support for Tinubu’s second-term bid
The aggrieved faction of the Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled The Oto Ge Progressives (T.O.P.), a coalition comprising the G15, the Kwara Elders’ Group, aspirants for all elective positions in the state, various youth and women groups, and other concerned members of the party.
Speaking during a world press conference held in Ilorin on Thursday, former Senator representing Kwara Central, Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, who read the joint statement, said the movement represents a widespread demand for fairness, inclusion, and consultation within the party, where members are valued and their choices respected.
The movement said it would continue to oppose the arrangement being promoted by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq through every lawful, peaceful, and democratic means, noting that every attempt to treat the APC as the personal property of any individual or impose a predetermined political arrangement on its members would be rejected while also open to political solution to resolve disputes within the party.
The group claimed that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who benefited the most from the historic Oto Ge struggle in 2019, has presided over a system that has resulted in political exclusion, manipulation, and unilateral decision-making within the party by imposing candidates who are “neither known nor acceptable to their communities” across the state.
“Individuals who are neither known nor acceptable to their communities are being imposed as candidates across the state as part of a wider scheme to entrench a regime of godfatherism, an oppressive political order that the people of Kwara have long rejected.” The statement reads.
The movement also alleged intimidation and inducement of its members while insisting that such actions would not weaken its resolve to ensure progressive leadership in Kwara State.
“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.”
The movement also pledged its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and promised to canvass votes for his re-election in the 2027 presidential election.
