Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Ahead of the 2027 general election, about 3,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alanamu Ward, Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, weekend, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Also, the chairman of the APC in Baruten local government area of the state, Hon. Sani Isa Adamu, has resigned from the party and joined the PDP in the state.
The defectors, who were supporters of Senator Saliu Mustapha under the aegis of Saliu Mustapha Supporters (SMS), were drawn from various polling units across the local government.
They were officially received into the PDP on Saturday after a rally attended by key party stakeholders.
Speaking at the party secretariat in Alanamu Ward, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Adio, who led the defectors, said their decision to join the PDP was driven by their continued support for Senator Mustapha, as well as their confidence in the leadership of former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and the direction of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adio said they decided to align with the PDP following Senator Mustapha’s defection from the APC and his emergence as the party’s senatorial candidate for Kwara Central.
“We are here because of our principal, Senator Saliu Mustapha. He (Senator Mustapha) is a distinguished politician who is loved by all. We will continue to stand by him wherever he chooses to pursue his political career.
“We are also encouraged by the leadership of our former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, and the direction of the PDP in Kwara State. We believe in the party’s leadership and are ready to work with other members to achieve success in 2027.”
The PDP Alanamu Ward Chairman, Mallam Abdulgafar Alawo, while receiving the defectors, described their decision to join the party as timely and significant.
He assured the defectors of the party’s support and cooperation, noting that their arrival would further strengthen the PDP at the grassroots.
Alawo, however, urged them to see their membership of the PDP as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the success of the party in the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, the chairman of APC in Baruten Local Government Area of the state, Hon. Sani Musa Adamu has resigned from the party and also joined the PDP in the state.
Adamu, in his letter of resignation, stated that, “This decision has been reached after careful reflection on my political journey, personal convictions, aspirations, and my commitment to the people of Barten Local Government and Kwara State.
“I sincerely appreciate all APC leaders, members, friends, and associates with whom I have shared political experiences over the years.
“I hold no bitterness against anyone, and I remain grateful for the relationships and lessons gained during my time in the party.
“Having taken this decision, I am now fully prepared to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and continue my political engagement under its platform.