There was heightened political activity in Olla ward, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Sunday, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) received APC chieftain, Hon. Femi Sunday Oni Shola (Femoster), and hundreds of his supporters into its fold.
The defectors were received by the PDP Kwara South Senatorial candidate, Hon. Saheed Olamilekan Popoola, alongside the Kwara South PDP Senatorial Chairman, Engr. Justus Sayo Amos; Chief Gbenga Awoyale, President of Orisun Igbomina; and other party leaders.
The defection came on the same day the All Progressives Congress (APC) also held a rally in the ward. While the PDP event witnessed a large turnout, the APC gathering was said to have recorded a low attendance of about 15 people, including supporters and a live band, a development that has generated political reactions in the area.
Reacting, Chief Gbenga Awoyale commended the people of Olla for what he described as their boldness to make independent political choices. He said the development showed that political loyalty can no longer be taken for granted.
Awoyale also referenced a recent kidnapping incident involving a community stakeholder, alleging that residents had to mobilise resources to secure his release, while expressing displeasure over the government’s handling of security issues.
He urged both old and new members of the PDP to remain united and strengthen the party’s structure at the grassroots ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As the build-up to 2027 continues, the contrasting rallies in Olla have added to the ongoing debate over grassroots support for the major parties in Kwara South.