In a significant blow to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, over 2,000 members from Adewole Ward in Ilorin West Local Government Area have formally defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This mass defection occurred on Tuesday and is particularly noteworthy given that Adewole Ward is the ancestral ward of Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. The defectors, who are supporters of Senator Saliu Mustapha representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, cited solidarity with the lawmaker as their reason for leaving the APC.
The defectors, led by Sheu Afunjo as team lead and Abdullateef Mahmud Omodele as coordinator, announced that they would work towards Senator Mustapha's re-election as the PDP candidate for Kwara Central. They were officially received into the PDP by Yinka Otukoko, a prominent ally of former Senate President Bukola Saraki. According to the group, their decision to defect followed extensive consultations among members and stakeholders across the ward. This move is seen as a significant development in the state's political landscape.
Senator Mustapha's resignation from the APC has triggered a wave of defections across parts of Kwara Central, with several of his supporters and political associates following him to the PDP. The leaders of the defecting group disclosed that more APC members were expected to join the PDP in the coming weeks as political realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections. This indicates a potential shift in the political dynamics of the state.
The mass defection is being viewed as a politically significant event, especially given the prominence of the individuals involved. Adewole Ward, being the ancestral ward of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, adds a layer of complexity to the state's political scenario. The defectors' decision to support Senator Mustapha's re-election bid under the PDP banner suggests a possible realignment of political loyalties in the region.
The reception of the defectors into the PDP was attended by prominent party figures, including Yinka Otukoko. This event underscores the PDP's efforts to strengthen its presence in Kwara State by attracting high-profile defections from the APC. The PDP's strategy appears to be focused on capitalizing on the dissatisfaction within the APC ranks.
Political analysts have noted that this mass defection could have implications for the 2027 general elections. The shift of over 2,000 members from the APC to the PDP in a single ward is a significant indicator of the changing political tides in Kwara State. It remains to be seen how this will affect the electoral fortunes of both parties in the state.
As political realignments continue to unfold in Kwara State, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation. The defection of such a large number of APC members to the PDP highlights the fluid nature of political affiliations in the state. With more defections expected in the coming weeks, the political landscape of Kwara State is set to undergo further changes.
Key points
- Over 2,000 APC members defected to the PDP in Kwara State's Adewole Ward.
- The defectors cited solidarity with Senator Saliu Mustapha as their reason for leaving the APC.
- The mass defection is expected to impact the 2027 general elections in Kwara State.
