The political crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State took a fresh turn on Thursday as the influential G15 political bloc formally rebranded itself as The Otoge Progressives (TOP), declaring support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid while rejecting candidates backed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The unveiling of the new identity took place during a stakeholders’ engagement and town hall meeting held at the Arca-Santa Arena, Ilorin, where party leaders, elders and supporters from the 16 local government areas of the state converged.

Leaders of the movement said the change from G15 to TOP reflected the bloc’s rapid expansion since its emergence in June, noting that the new platform would accommodate its growing membership and reinforce its commitment to internal democracy, inclusive leadership and the preservation of the ideals that gave birth to the 2019 Otoge political revolution.

Addressing the gathering, the spokesperson of the movement and former Senator representing Kwara Central, Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe, described the rebranding as a symbol of growth rather than division, insisting that members remained united in their resolve to strengthen the APC through democratic engagement.

According to him, the movement has continued to attract prominent political figures, party stakeholders and grassroots supporters across the state, adding that its activities are driven by collective interest rather than personal political ambition.

He commended members for remaining steadfast despite what he described as sustained political intimidation and assured them that the leadership would remain committed to pursuing its objectives.

Former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Salman Jawondo (SAN), also maintained that protecting democratic values and internal party democracy remained a collective responsibility, stressing that the movement would continue to pursue its goals through constitutional and lawful means.

In a major political declaration, the bloc unanimously rejected all candidates allegedly produced by Governor AbdulRazaq for elective positions across the state, describing them as inconsistent with the ideals of the Otoge Revolution.

The group further alleged that the governor was positioning loyalists to maintain influence beyond his constitutionally permitted tenure, a development it said was unacceptable.

At an earlier stakeholders’ meeting held in Ilorin, members overwhelmingly authorised the leadership of the movement to explore alternative political options ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The resolution was adopted through a voice vote coordinated by Jawondo, with a committee mandated to examine available political platforms and submit recommendations within one week.

Despite its grievances within the state chapter of the APC, the movement reaffirmed its loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

A motion moved by Senator Saliu Mustapha received overwhelming support from participants, leading to a vote of confidence in the President and a unanimous endorsement of his re-election for a second term in 2027.

The event was attended by several prominent APC leaders, including Senators Saliu Mustapha, Yahaya Oloriegbe, Sodiq Umar, Lola Ashiru, Ahmed Ahmed, Ajadi Makanjuola and Bisi Oyewo, alongside Dele Belgore (SAN), Barrister Salman Jawondo (SAN), party elders, former public office holders, women and youth leaders from across Kwara State.