The Director of Organisation, Zainab Issa (middle left); The coordinator of Oniyangi Progressive Alliance, Hon. Mohammed Kamaldeen (middle center); Other members of OPA and support groups addresse a press conference in Ilorin on Friday. Credit: Toheeb Omotayo
A coalition of more than 30 affiliate groups under the Oniyangi Progressive Alliance has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and All Progressives Congress candidates in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The alliance also endorsed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the Kwara Central senatorial seat and the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, as its preferred candidate for the governorship election.
The Coordinator of OPA, Mohammed Kamaldeen, disclosed the alliance’s position at a press conference in Ilorin on Friday, outlining its political direction, grassroots mobilisation strategy and preparations for the 2027 elections.
The alliance operates under the leadership of Abdulazeez Oniyangi, its convener and an APC stakeholder in Kwara State, who described the platform as an inclusive political gathering of support groups and people from diverse backgrounds.
“This is a house that is open to everybody and with a lot of support groups as well, even out of Kwara State: talking the SNupe, Hausa, Fulani, and other communities.
“It’s a rally point: an alliance that gathers people together with diverse opinions but are Progressives members,” Oniyangi said.
Expressing confidence in the APC’s chances in the forthcoming elections, Oniyangi said the party remained well-positioned to succeed despite possible challenges.
“In as much as I don’t want to be complacent, I can tell you for free that our chances are bright, regardless of any challenges that we may have.
“There is no smooth road anywhere in the world, there must be turbulence. The important thing is to have a proper and safe landing and we are landing well,” he said.
On internal disagreements within the APC, the OPA convener acknowledged the concerns of aggrieved members and urged them to embrace reconciliation ahead of the elections.
“I can also say any grievances is valid. Concerning the aggrieved members, I respect their grievances but I will only plead that we are one family.
“It is only God that gives and He has given somebody. Let’s address our differences and move forward,” he said.
The alliance said its endorsement of AbdulRazaq’s senatorial ambition was informed by its belief that his experience in governance could strengthen representation and advocacy for the development needs of Kwara Central.
It also declared support for Danladi-Salihu’s governorship ambition, citing the need for leadership that would promote fairness, inclusion and a sense of belonging across the state.
OPA added that it would support other APC candidates in Kwara State and Tinubu’s re-election bid through coordinated grassroots mobilisation, responsible communication and peaceful democratic participation.
The alliance said it was strengthening coordination among its affiliate groups to improve community engagement, encourage participation and ensure its political messages reached residents effectively.
It also announced plans to strengthen its Central Media Coordinating Directorate, which oversees content and editorial production, digital and social media, field media and documentation, media monitoring, and radio and broadcast communication.
Meanwhile, the alliance defended the AbdulRazaq administration’s developmental initiatives, particularly the Ilorin Innovation Hub, saying the facility could provide lasting opportunities for young people.
The Director of Organisation, Zainab Issa, said the project reflected the governor’s commitment to creating benefits that would outlast his administration.
“The governor is not looking at today only. He is looking to have legacies that young people and Kwarans in general can benefit from for a long time,” she said.
Issa said the hub was accessible to residents, particularly young people seeking technology and entrepreneurial skills.
“The Innovation Hub is very accessible to everybody, particularly enabling the youths to have access to tech and entrepreneurial skills. There are a lot of activities going on there. The governor made it possible,” she said.
OPA urged its members, including women, young people, coordinators and supporters, to remain united and disciplined as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
The alliance also cautioned against misinformation, intimidation and personal attacks, stressing that political engagement should remain peaceful and focused on issues affecting the people of Kwara State.