Political leaders in Kwara State have issued a strong warning to what they call “political nomads” and “Abuja politicians,” urging them to stop fueling political unrest in the state. In a joint statement released on Thursday, prominent figures including Hon. Raji Atolagbe Muhammad, Alhaji Rahim Alamoyo, and Alhaji Issa Amosa Afon accused the G15 group of misusing the Otoge movement for personal political gain. The Otoge movement, which emerged in 2019, played a key role in removing former Senate President Bukola Saraki from power and is seen as a symbol of grassroots political transformation in Kwara.
The founding leaders of Otoge expressed deep concern over what they described as the G15’s attempt to hijack the movement’s legacy. They pointed out the irony of a group that once openly challenged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), criticized party primaries, and even hinted at leaving the party, now positioning itself as the protector of Otoge’s principles. The leaders emphasized that the movement was built on loyalty, sacrifice, and collective responsibility, values they say the G15 has disregarded.
The statement criticized the G15’s recent petition to President Bola Tinubu, which reportedly warned that the APC’s electoral prospects in Kwara, including the President’s re-election chances, could be jeopardized if their grievances were not addressed. The Otoge leaders dismissed this as political blackmail, stating that such tactics contradict the movement’s foundational ideals. “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 read.
They also highlighted that many members of the G15 had previously praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and acknowledged the developmental strides of his administration before their personal political ambitions were unmet. The leaders stressed that Otoge was not created for political opportunists or outsiders who only emerge when it suits their agenda. “This movement is not intended for political opportunists or Abuja politicians who only emerge when it aligns with their interests,” they declared, underscoring that Otoge was built by ordinary Kwarans through years of grassroots mobilization and dedication.
The list of signatories includes notable names such as 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).
As Kwara State prepares for future elections, the internal political dynamics continue to shape the state’s political landscape, with the Otoge movement standing firm as a symbol of authentic grassroots leadership. The warning from its founding leaders signals a clear message: the movement’s legacy will not be co-opted by those who do not share its core values.
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