Political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections are beginning to reshape conversations in Kwara State, with prominent leaders associated with the historic Otoge movement distancing themselves from the G15 political group and accusing it of attempting to redefine the movement’s legacy for personal political interests.
The development highlights growing divisions within the ruling political family in Kwara as different blocs position themselves for future contests, despite the elections still being some time away.
Otoge Founders Defend Movement’s Original Ideals
In a joint statement released on Thursday, leading figures who identified themselves as founding members of the Otoge movement criticized the G15 group over what they described as efforts to claim ownership of a political movement built through years of grassroots mobilization.
The statement was jointly signed by Hon. Raji Atolagbe Muhammad, Alhaji Rahim Alamoyo and Alhaji Issa Amosa Afon.
According to the leaders, the G15 cannot legitimately present itself as the custodian of the Otoge movement after publicly disagreeing with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), criticizing the outcome of the party’s internal primaries and reportedly indicating a willingness to leave the party.
The signatories argued that such positions contradict the principles upon which the movement was founded.
Leaders Fault Alleged Petition to President Tinubu
The political leaders also took issue with an alleged petition sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by members of the G15.
According to the statement, the petition suggested that the APC’s electoral performance in Kwara State—including President Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027—could be negatively affected if the concerns raised by the group were not addressed.
The Otoge leaders described such an approach as unacceptable, arguing that political loyalty should not be based on personal ambitions or conditions.
They maintained that President Tinubu should not be pressured with electoral threats in pursuit of individual political interests.
“You cannot threaten President Tinubu with electoral repercussions today for your own interests and expect Nigerians to believe you are defending the movement that introduced progressive politics to Kwara,” the statement said.
Allegations of Political Opportunism
Beyond their criticism of the petition, the Otoge founders alleged that many leading members of the G15 had previously praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration and acknowledged its developmental projects before their own political ambitions were allegedly frustrated.
The leaders claimed the group’s recent criticism emerged only after those aspirations were not realized.
They further argued that the Otoge movement was established through years of sacrifice by ordinary residents across Kwara State rather than by politicians operating from Abuja.
According to them, the movement should not become a platform for political actors who become active only when it serves their personal ambitions.
Understanding the Otoge Movement
The Otoge movement became one of the most influential political campaigns in Kwara’s recent history.
The slogan, which translates roughly to “Enough is Enough,” gained widespread popularity before the 2019 general elections. It united various political interests and voters seeking political change, eventually leading to the defeat of the long-dominant political structure associated with former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
The movement played a significant role in the APC’s sweeping electoral victories in the state during the 2019 elections and has since remained an important symbol within Kwara politics.
Why the Dispute Matters
The disagreement between the Otoge founders and the G15 reflects broader political realignments that are already taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Internal disagreements within ruling parties often influence candidate selection, party unity and campaign strategies long before elections officially begin.
Political observers say how the APC manages these internal differences in Kwara could have implications for the party’s cohesion as preparations for future elections gather momentum.
At the time of reporting, there was no immediate public response from the G15 group regarding the allegations contained in the statement.
List of Other Signatories
Other leaders who endorsed the statement include Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, Prof. Abdulraheem Sheu Adaramaja, Alhaji Mustapha Kobe, Alhaji Ibrahim Mogaji, Alhaji Baba Alapa, Alhaji Rasaq Jiddah, Alhaji Abdulganiu Cook Olododo, Alhaji Illiasu Abdulrahman, Alhaji Saadu Salau, Alhaji Abdullah Ahmed Sabi, Alhaji Ali Aliyu Mohamed, Alhaji Saadu Laaro, Elder Abodunrin Kolade Julius, Mohammed Abdullahi Ndako, Baba Santali, Mohamed Abdulrahman Wali, Hon. Ismaila Haliru, Shehu Jibril, Umar Madiu Abubakar, Alhaji Tajudeen Adesina, Hon. Femi Agbaje Whyte, Chief Michael Iyanda, Mrs. Adefila G. O., Alhaji Kareem Owolabi, Luku Ojo, Chief Toyin Dada, Engr. Benjamin Oyeyemi, Aliu Olayinka Theophilus, Benjamin Ayanshola, Hon. Raheem Adedoyin Oloriewe, Olaitan Bashir Ibrahim, Hon. Sodiq Hameed, Dr. Solomon Olaegin, Alhaja Aminat Gbolasere (Iya Ewe), and Wosilat Idowu (Iya Alado).
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