The Kwara APC G-15 Coalition has declared that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq no longer enjoys the support of the majority of stakeholders within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
It said the balance of political support in the party had shifted away from the governor.
The coalition made the assertion during a solidarity walk in Ilorin attended by thousands of party supporters, where it also announced what it described as the relaunch of the “Otoge”movement that brought the APC to power in the state in 2019.
The G-15 comprises the 10 governorship aspirants who participated in the last APC primary, the state’s three serving senators, a majority of APC members in the National Assembly, serving members of the Kwara State House of Assembly, the party’s Elders’ Caucus, youth and women leaders, and other stakeholders.
The procession commenced at the Geri-Alimi Underpass, passed through the Emir’s Palace and terminated at the Post Office in Ilorin.
Addressing supporters after the march, coalition leaders said the turnout underscored what they described as the governor’s declining influence within the APC and demonstrated that the majority of party members remained committed to the ideals of the “Otoge” movement.
In a statement issued after the rally, the coalition said Governor AbdulRazaq had failed to sustain the principles that united the progressive movement in 2019.
According to the group, the original OTOGE movement was founded on inclusion, internal democracy, accountability and collective leadership, ideals it alleged have since been abandoned.
“History has placed upon us the responsibility of ensuring that the dreams and sacrifices of the OTOGE Revolution are neither abandoned nor betrayed,” the coalition said.
It argued that the APC in Kwara had become increasingly divided under the current administration, alleging that political participation had narrowed. In contrast, decision-making had become concentrated in the hands of a few.
The coalition maintained that the Governor no longer represents the majority of the party, insisting that the broad coalition of elected officials, governorship aspirants, legislators, party elders, youth, and women leaders aligned with the G15 reflects the prevailing mood of APC members across the state.
“We reject, unequivocally, the tyranny of a minority seeking to impose its will on the overwhelming majority of party members and the people of Kwara State. Democracy derives its legitimacy from the consent of the majority, not from the preferences of a select few,” the statement said.
The coalition also disclosed that it recently met with senior APC stakeholders and other national leaders in Abuja, saying the consultations focused on the party’s unity in Kwara, the state’s future, and the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
While reaffirming its loyalty to President Tinubu, the group urged the President and the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to support what it described as a more inclusive and credible leadership process ahead of the 2027 elections.
The coalition subsequently presented a 10-point demand, including the rejection of what it described as flawed party primaries, the emergence of a broadly acceptable governorship candidate, a merit-based succession process, inclusive party administration, an end to political godfatherism, respect for dissenting voices, accountable governance, genuine reconciliation anchored on justice and fairness, and stronger action to address insecurity in the state.
It also urged Governor AbdulRazaq to embrace dialogue, fairness and internal democracy, warning that political structures built on exclusion and imposition have historically proved unsustainable.
“The people of Kwara have spoken before. They are speaking again. And when the time comes, their collective voice will once more determine the future of our state,” the coalition stated.
The Kwara State Government had not responded to the coalition’s claims as of the time this report was filed.
