The political realignment surrounding Senator Saliu Mustapha has continued in Kwara State, with more members of the All Progressives Congress in Alanamu Ward, Ilorin West Local Government Area, defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party.
The defectors, who were described as supporters of the senator representing Kwara Central, were formally received into the PDP during a rally at the party’s Alanamu Ward secretariat on Saturday.
The development comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Defectors Say Their Loyalty Is With Mustapha
Speaking on behalf of the new PDP members, AbdulRazaq Adio said their decision was primarily driven by their loyalty to Mustapha.
Adio said the group had resolved to remain with the senator regardless of the political platform under which he chose to pursue his political career.
“We are here because of our principal, Senator Saliu Mustapha. He is a distinguished politician who is loved by all. We will continue to stand by him wherever he chooses to pursue his political career,” he said.
The defectors were drawn from different polling units within the local government area.
Mustapha’s APC Exit Triggered Political Realignment
The latest movement follows Mustapha’s resignation from the APC in August after a prolonged dispute within the party in Kwara State.
The senator said at the time that his decision followed extensive consultations with supporters, constituents and political stakeholders. He also said developments within the Kwara APC and the conduct of its leadership had eroded his confidence in the party.
Mustapha had previously contested the APC governorship primary, which was won by the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.
Senator Secured PDP Ticket After Leaving APC
Following his resignation, Mustapha moved to the PDP and secured the party’s ticket to contest the Kwara Central senatorial election in 2027. The PDP formally handed him the ticket shortly after his departure from the APC.
His move has since been followed by defections among some of his supporters in different parts of Kwara Central.
Earlier reports also documented defections involving Mustapha supporters in other wards, indicating that his departure from the APC has been accompanied by changes in political allegiance among some local supporters.
Saraki’s Political Influence Also Cited
Adio said the new PDP members were also encouraged by the leadership of former Senate President Bukola Saraki and what he described as the direction of the PDP in Kwara State.
He pledged that the defectors would work alongside existing PDP members to strengthen the party’s grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We are also encouraged by the leadership of our former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, and the direction of the PDP in Kwara State,” he said.
Adio added that the new members were prepared to contribute to the party’s campaign and mobilisation efforts.
PDP Welcomes New Members Into Ward Structure
Receiving the defectors, PDP Chairman in Alanamu Ward, Abdulgafar Alawo, described their arrival as an important addition to the party’s grassroots organisation.
Alawo assured the new members that they would be allowed to participate fully in the activities of the party.
He also urged them to become active participants in building the PDP at the ward level rather than simply joining the party ahead of the elections.
Kwara Politics Enters New Phase Ahead of 2027
The latest defections add another development to the political changes that have followed Mustapha’s departure from the APC.
His decision to join the PDP and contest the 2027 Kwara Central senatorial election has created a new political alignment, while his supporters have continued to announce their movement to the opposition party in different parts of the state.
With the 2027 elections still ahead, the movement of grassroots supporters between the two major parties is expected to remain an important feature of the political landscape in Kwara State.
