Over 2,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the 11 wards of Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State have reportedly defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The defectors were formally received into the PDP at a rally held in Igosun, under the political banner, “The People’s Mandate for Better Governance: Datiemo 2027.”
The event featured a street procession and a reception led by the Kwara South PDP Senatorial Candidate, Prince Saheed Popoola, alongside party executives and community leaders.
Speaking at the rally, Popoola accused the Kwara State Government of allegedly using security agencies to intimidate opposition figures and stakeholders who speak out about insecurity in the region.
He said he and other stakeholders had been invited by security agencies over their comments on insecurity, insisting that such actions would not stop them from demanding accountability and better protection for their communities.
Also speaking on behalf of the defectors, former political activist, Comrade Olawale John, announced his support for former Senate President Bukola Saraki, criticising what he described as the current administration’s approach to governance.
John said the defectors were aligning with the political leadership of Saraki and PDP candidates whose records and integrity, he claimed, were recognised by the people of Kwara South.
In his remarks, PDP chieftain and President of Orisun Igbomina, Hon. Gbenga Awoyale, expressed confidence in the party’s growing support across the state, saying political realignments were ongoing ahead of future elections.
Other political figures at the event included the Kwara South PDP Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Justus Sayo Amos; PDP candidate for Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Hon. Moshood Bakare; and Oke Ogun State Constituency PDP candidate, Hon. Oyetunji Femi Abolarin.
Representatives of the Fulani and Hausa communities in Oyun Local Government Area also attended the ceremony.
The reported defection and Popoola’s allegations come amid political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. The allegation of intimidation was attributed to Popoola, and no response from the Kwara State Government was included in the statement.
