Hundreds of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) members and supporters have formally defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the political ward of Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The mass movement, which took place during a strategic grassroots rally in Ilorin, marks a major setback for the ruling party as political realignments intensify across Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
​The defection drive in the governor’s ward was led by prominent political activist Mr. Taofeek Mohammed, who cited widespread dissatisfaction with the direction of state governance under the current administration.
Addresssing journalists and PDP executives during the official reception, Mohammed noted that the exit of key party stalwarts from the governor’s home base raises fundamental questions about the ruling party’s grassroots connection.
​A parallel defection occurred in Shawo Central Ward, Offa Local Government Area—the political stronghold of Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru. The Kwara South movement was led by Comrade Ezekiel Adepoju, where hundreds of former APC members also formally pledged their allegiance to the opposition platform.
Mr. Taofeek Mohammed is the lead spokesperson for the defectors in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s ward. Comrade Ezekiel Adepoju, the lead spokesperson for the defectors in Shawo Central Ward (Offa LGA) and Olusegun Adewara, Kwara State PDP Publicity Secretary, who addressed the media on behalf of the party leadership.
Defactors in Ilorin stated they were disappointed by the APC leadership’s local engagement and policies, asserting that PDP offers a stronger platform for true internal democracy.
Adepoju noted that the realignments reflect growing belief in the leadership of former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, as a catalyst for political stability in Kwara State.
Following the formal defection ceremony, a large solidarity procession led by women’s groups moved through key local routes, singing traditional songs and pledging active voter mobilisation for the PDP ahead of 2027.
​Responding to the events, Kwara PDP Publicity Secretary Olusegun Adewara stated that the wave of defections across Kwara Central and Kwara South confirms that citizens are eager for a change in governance.
Meanwhile, Kwara State APC leadership maintained that the party remains solidly structured, dismissing the defections as standard pre-election political maneuvering.
