The All Progressives Congress in Kwara State has suffered another setback ahead of the 2027 elections following the defection of hundreds of its members in Offa Local Government Area to the Peoples Democratic Party.
The defectors were drawn from different wards in the local government, including Shawo Central Ward, the political base of the senator representing Kwara South, Lola Ashiru, and the governor’s political ward.
The development comes as the PDP intensifies efforts to rebuild its grassroots structures and regain political influence across the state ahead of the next general elections.
Speaking during the defection in Offa on Tuesday, the leader of the Shawo Central Ward defectors, Ezekiel Adepoju, said the decision to join the PDP was driven by the group’s confidence in the leadership of former Senate President and PDP chieftain, Bukola Saraki.
Adepoju said the defectors believe that the opposition party offered a better platform to pursue the political interests of Offa and Kwara State.
“We are convinced that the PDP remains the better platform for the political future of Offa and Kwara State,” he said.
He said the group was also encouraged by what it described as the direction and leadership being provided by Saraki within the opposition party.
The defection was followed by a solidarity rally by women in Shawo Central Ward, who reportedly turned out in large numbers to celebrate the development.
The women moved through parts of the community, singing traditional songs and expressing their support for Saraki and the PDP.
They also pledged to mobilise voters across the local government for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
