A significant number of Peoples Democratic Party members from Alapa/Onire/Odegiwa Ward in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State have defected to the All Progressives Congress. The defection was announced during a ward meeting attended by prominent party executives and supporters. According to reports, the decampees cited mistreatment of members, imposition of candidates, and poor reward for loyalty as reasons for their decision to leave the PDP.
The new APC members were welcomed by the Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Abdullateef Alakawa, and a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Shittu Motunrayo. Alakawa assured the defectors that they would be treated as members of the same political family and encouraged them to remain committed to the party. He also commended the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his performance in Asa Local Government Area.
The defection is seen as a boost to the APC's grassroots structure in the local government. The party has been making efforts to expand its base in the area, and the latest defection is a significant addition. According to Alakawa, the decision of the PDP members to join the APC is a clear indication of their confidence in the party and its programmes.
The lawmaker representing the area, Shittu Motunrayo, also welcomed the defectors and urged them to work with existing members for the development of the party. The reception for the decampees underscores the APC's efforts to consolidate its grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defection adds to the ongoing political realignment in Kwara State, where major parties are intensifying efforts to strengthen their grassroots support. The PDP, led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, has been experiencing a series of defections in recent times. The APC, on the other hand, is seeking to build on its recent successes.
The Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Abdullateef Alakawa, emphasized that there is no newcomer in the APC and that everyone is working towards a common goal. He urged the new members to contribute to the party's growth at the grassroots level.
The defection of over 1,500 PDP members to the APC is a significant development in Kwara State's politics. The APC is expected to continue its efforts to expand its grassroots structure, while the PDP will likely seek to stem further defections and rebuild its base in the state.
Key points
- Over 1,500 PDP members defect to APC in Kwara State's Asa Local Government Area.
- Defectors cite mistreatment, imposition of candidates, and poor reward for loyalty as reasons for leaving PDP.
- Defection seen as boost to APC's grassroots structure ahead of 2027 general elections.
