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From Ogunniyi Joseph Taiwo, Ilorin
Hundreds of members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the political ward of Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as the two parties intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A similar defection was recorded in Shawo Central Ward, Offa, the political base of Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru, where APC members and supporters also announced their movement to the opposition party.
The defections in the political strongholds of two prominent APC leaders have added a new dimension to the contest for grassroots support in Kwara as political parties strengthen their structures ahead of the polls.
In AbdulRazaq’s ward, the defectors reportedly attributed their decision to dissatisfaction with the APC administration and concerns over the direction of governance in the state.
They pledged to work with the PDP and mobilise support for the opposition party as preparations for the elections gather momentum.
In Shawo Central Ward, the defectors said they joined the PDP because of their confidence in the leadership of former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and their belief that the party offered a platform for advancing the interests of residents of Offa and Kwara State.
The defection was followed by a solidarity procession by women in the ward, who moved through parts of the community singing traditional songs and pledging support for the PDP.
The women also expressed support for Saraki’s leadership and promised to mobilise voters across Offa Local Government Area ahead of the elections.
The development in Shawo Central is politically significant because the ward is associated with Ashiru, who represents Kwara South Senatorial District and serves as Deputy Senate Leader.
The latest defections come amid an intensifying struggle by the APC and PDP for grassroots support across Kwara’s three senatorial districts.
The PDP has stepped up engagement with stakeholders and efforts to attract members from rival parties, while the APC is also working to retain its support base and consolidate its structures ahead of 2027.
With political activities gradually shifting to the wards and local government areas, the two parties are expected to intensify mobilisation and reconciliation as they position themselves for the electoral contest.
