A significant shift in political allegiance has occurred in Kwara State as approximately 3,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alanamu Ward, Ilorin West Local Government Area, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The defectors, who were supporters of Senator Saliu Mustapha, were officially received into the PDP on Saturday after a rally attended by key party stakeholders. This mass defection is seen as a boost to the PDP's grassroots presence in the state.
The defectors, under the aegis of Saliu Mustapha Supporters (SMS), were drawn from various polling units across the local government. Alhaji AbdulRazaq Adio, who led the defectors, stated that their decision to join the PDP was driven by their continued support for Senator Mustapha and their confidence in the leadership of former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. The PDP's direction ahead of the 2027 elections also played a significant role in their decision.
Senator Saliu Mustapha's defection from the APC and his emergence as the PDP's senatorial candidate for Kwara Central were cited as key factors in the defectors' decision to join the PDP. Adio emphasized that the defectors will continue to stand by Senator Mustapha wherever he chooses to pursue his political career. The PDP's leadership, particularly Dr Bukola Saraki, was also mentioned as a factor in their decision to defect.
The PDP Alanamu Ward Chairman, Mallam Abdulgafar Alawo, welcomed the defectors, describing their decision to join the party as timely and significant. He assured them of the party's support and cooperation, noting that their arrival would further strengthen the PDP at the grassroots. Alawo urged the defectors to see their membership of the PDP as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the party's success in the 2027 general elections.
In a related development, the chairman of APC in Baruten Local Government Area of the state, Hon. Sani Isa Adamu, has resigned from the party and joined the PDP. Adamu's decision to defect was announced through a letter of resignation, in which he stated that his decision was reached after careful reflection on his political journey and personal convictions.
Adamu expressed gratitude to APC leaders, members, friends, and associates with whom he has shared political experiences over the years. He emphasized that he holds no bitterness against anyone and remains grateful for the relationships and lessons gained during his time in the APC. Adamu is now fully prepared to join the PDP and continue his political engagement under its platform.
The mass defection of APC members to the PDP in Kwara State is seen as a significant development ahead of the 2027 general elections. The PDP is expected to capitalize on the momentum generated by these defections to strengthen its presence in the state. The APC, on the other hand, will need to regroup and strategize to mitigate the impact of these losses on its electoral prospects.
Key points
- Approximately 3,000 APC members in Kwara State have defected to the PDP, citing support for Senator Saliu Mustapha and confidence in the PDP leadership.
