The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has suffered another political setback ahead of the 2027 general elections as the Chairman of the Kwara State APC Elders Forum, Chief James Bamisaye Ayeni (J.B. Ayeni), alongside three-term Kwara South Senator Sule Simon Ajibola, led thousands of party members to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The defection ceremony took place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the event ground opposite Amodu Filling Station in Osi, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The event witnessed the formal reception of defectors drawn across all 10 wards of Ekiti Local Government Area by Kwara South PDP leaders and candidate delegations.
Addressing the gathering during his formal address, Chief J.B. Ayeni stated that his decision to lead the APC Elders Forum out of the ruling party followed extensive consultations and a shared resolve among grassroots leaders to seek political alignment capable of restoring effective governance, inclusion, and true democratic representation in Kwara South.
“We can no longer fold our arms and watch the systematic marginalization and neglect of our people,” Ayeni said.
“Our decision to dump the APC alongside thousands of our members across the 10 wards of Ekiti land is rooted in the conviction that Kwara South deserves genuine development, integrity, and internal party democracy values that have been completely lost under the present administration.” He added.
Speaking through his representative, Mr. Tunde Fakayode, Senator Ajibola an indigene of Isapa Ward declared his exit from the ruling party and affirmed full alignment with the PDP structure under the statewide leadership of former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
Welcoming the new members, the Kwara South PDP Senatorial Chairman, Engr. Justus Sayo Amos, congratulated Saraki on his recent national appointment and commended Chief J.B. Ayeni and Senator Ajibola for recognizing the imperative of grassroots realignment.
Amos urged the Kwara South electorate to critically evaluate governance delivery, effective representation, and development projects as the state approaches the 2027 electoral cycle.
Also addressing the gathering, PDP Chieftain and President of Orisun Igbomina, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, mocked the Kwara APC Reconciliation Committee, asserting that internal party reconciliation efforts came too late to halt the wave of opposition defections.
Awoyale further criticized the state administration’s security handling, referencing a recent security incident in Kajola, Oke-Ero Local Government Area, and called for heightened voter consciousness across Kwara South’s seven local government areas.
The reception was led by Ekiti Local Government PDP Leader, Chief Mrs. Felicia Ebun Owolabi, and Local Government PDP Chairman, Chief Agbelusi Felix Olushola, JP.
Prominent PDP candidates in attendance included Kwara South Senatorial candidate, Hon. Prince Saheed Olamilekan Popoola; candidate for Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency, Chief Joseph Adewole Gbenga (Obanla); candidate for Ekiti Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Ajayi Reuben Olabanji; alongside Popoola Campaign Director-General, Hon. Anu Ibiwoye.
