The Wakilin of Ilorin Emirate, Hon. Mashood Mustapha (MM) has officially defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The formal declaration took place on Wednesday at the PDP Secretariat in his ancestral Alanamu Ward, Isale Aluko, Ilorin.
The event covered by 9japarrot media was attended by party stalwarts, including the Alanamu Ward PDP Chairman, Hon. Abdulgafar Alawo, elder statesman Alh. Onimago and various women and youth representatives.
While addressing hundreds of supporters in his speech titled “The Journey Begins,” Mustapha detailed his 12-year journey with the APC, expressing deep regret over what he described as a painful chapter of political persecution.
The former federal lawmaker revealed that despite being a foundation member of the coalition that birthed the APC in 2014, he was met with ridicule and targeted victimization.
He specifically referenced the demolition of his property, valued at over one billion naira, as a consequence of daring to offer constructive counsel to the current administration.
“How long do we continue to hold on to what has clearly failed us?” Mustapha asked. “If such treatment can be meted out to someone in my position within the party, what hope remains for the ordinary citizen?”
Mustapha explained that his decision followed a period of observation and consultation. While he was briefly aligned with th Kwara Redemption Movement (KRM) and their adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in February 2026, he concluded that the ADC lacked the structure and readiness to win elections.
“Having critically assessed the political landscape, it is clear that the PDP stands as the most viable platform for the change we seek,” he noted.
He described his return to the party as a “homecoming,” having previously been an active member from 2003 to 2014.
Mustapha disclosed that he has maintained a cordial and strategic relationship with the PDP leadership over the past two years, working behind the scenes to reposition the state. He assured his supporters that the bold step was necessary to build the Kwara of our dreams.
On his part, Elder Statesman Alh. Onimago commended Mustapha for his courage in returning to his political roots.
Representative of Women, Hajia Enimakure expressed readiness of the women’s wing to mobilize for the “MM” movement under the umbrella while thanking the party for accepting the return of their principal wholehearted.
PDP Chairman of Alanamu Ward, Hon. Abdulgafar Alawo welcomed the Wakilin back to the ward, stating that his entry significantly strengthens the PDP’s presence in Ilorin West.
9japarrot reports that the defection of Mashood Mustapha a heavyweight with a vast grassroots following is expected to significantly alter the political equilibrium in the Ilorin Emirate as the PDP intensifies its efforts to reclaim the state from the APC comes 2027.
More visuals from the event 👇
