A two-term member of the Kwara State House of Assembly and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara state, Hon. Saheed Popoola, on Sunday defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside other members of the APC in Offa, Offa local government area of the state.
Speaking at the event, Popoola, who represented Offa constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, said his decision to join the PDP followed deep reflection on the direction of the ruling party.
“I was the first person to contest under the APC platform in 2013 in Nigeria. We started the APC together with a vision of justice and prosperity, but over time, the party lost its soul. Loyalty became to individuals, not the people.
“I’m joining the PDP not as a desperate politician but as a believer in fairness, justice, and equity. The PDP is peaceful and remains the only viable opposition in Nigeria,” Popoola added.
He declared confidently that, “the PDP would reclaim power in Kwara come 2027.
“The PDP is going to take over the government and governance of Kwara State in 2027”, he said to loud cheers from the crowd.
Receiving the defectors, the state PDP chairman, Hon. Issa Bawa, described Popoola’s defection as “a homecoming”, saying his return would strengthen the party’s base ahead of the 2027 elections.
“What we have seen today shows clearly that PDP is regaining its momentum. Offa is for PDP in 2027. Offa will rise again and be great again”, Bawa said.
He commended Popoola’s courage, describing him as a “man of integrity and conviction”, and urged other former party stalwarts to return.
“Senator Bukola Saraki asked me to remind the people of Offa to compare what the PDP did for them with what the APC has done. The difference is clear,” he said.
Reacting to the defection, the Kwara state APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Waheed Babatunde, dismissed Popoola’s exit as inconsequential.
“The party won’t miss Saheed Popoola because his presence was never felt. He left long before the last general election and is only making it official today,” Babatunde said.
“Offa has always been progressive and will remain so. The people will continue to support Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the APC to retain power in 2027.”
