Otoge: 38 APC Stakeholders Accuse G15 of Attempting to Hijack Movement, Reject Alleged Threats Against the Party
A group of individuals identifying themselves as founding leaders of the Otoge Movement has accused the G15 group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State of attempting to appropriate the legacy of the 2019 political movement while pursuing what they described as personal political interests.
In a statement jointly signed by 38 members, the group maintained that the Otoge Movement was a people-driven struggle aimed at promoting accountable leadership, development and improved living conditions for Kwarans, stressing that no individual or political bloc could claim exclusive ownership of the movement.
The signatories alleged that the G15, despite previously questioning the decisions of the APC leadership, criticizing the outcome of the party's primaries and suggesting the possibility of leaving the party, was now presenting itself as the custodian of the Otoge legacy.
The group also criticized a petition reportedly submitted by the G15 to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that it warned of possible electoral consequences for the APC in Kwara and the President's 2027 re-election prospects if its grievances were not addressed. The founding leaders described the reported position as "political blackmail" and argued that it was inconsistent with the ideals of loyalty, sacrifice and collective responsibility upon which the Otoge Movement was built.
According to the statement, "The Otoge movement remains a people's movement. It was built on courage, consistency, loyalty and service, not personal ambition."
The group further alleged that many of those now leading the G15 had previously praised the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq before becoming critical after their political aspirations were allegedly not realised. It said the change in position had raised questions about the group's motives.
Drawing a comparison between recent political events in the state, the founding leaders claimed that the #KwaraNdupe Rally attracted thousands of APC members and supporters who celebrated the achievements of President Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq and the party, while describing the G15 gathering as a political photo opportunity.
The statement also claimed that the G15 was unable to gain access to the Emir of Ilorin's Palace because official palace protocols require visits to be scheduled in advance, adding that political activities should respect established traditional institutions.
The signatories expressed concern over what they described as increasingly hostile rhetoric against Governor AbdulRazaq and campaign materials alleging that President Tinubu was "trading with Kwara," saying such narratives were divisive and capable of weakening party unity.
While acknowledging that disagreements may arise within the APC, the group urged aggrieved members to pursue reconciliation through the party's constitutional mechanisms rather than through public campaigns or actions capable of undermining the party's leadership.
The founding leaders reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the national leadership of the APC and all duly nominated candidates of the party.
The statement was jointly signed by 38 individuals, including Hon. Raji Atolagbe Muhammad, Alhaji Rahim Alamoyo, Prof. Abdulraheem Sheu Adaramaja, Hon. Ismaila Haliru, Chief Michael Iyanda, Engr. Benjamin Oyeyemi and others.
The G15 had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
No comments