The PDP Senatorial Candidate for Kwara South, Hon. Saheed Popoola has described the wave of defections hitting the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara South as a clear signal that the people are ready for real change in 2027.
Popoola stated this while welcoming thousands of APC decampees who joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyun and Ekiti Local Government Areas of Kwara State in two separate massive events held on Friday and Saturday.
On Friday, the defection train berthed in Igo-Owu/Igosun town in Oyun LGA where thousands of APC members from across different wards collapsed their structures into the PDP, citing neglect and undemocratic leadership in the APC.
On Saturday, the train moved to Osi, headquarters of Ekiti LGA, where the event recorded another mammoth crowd. The decampees in Ekiti were led by the Chairman of the APC Elders Caucus, Chief J.B. Ayeni, alongside former ranking Senator, Senator Suleiman Simon Ajibola, and former TIC Chairman, Hon. Kayode Bayode, with over two thousand supporters.
Both ceremonies drew party faithful, women and youth groups, with former APC leaders, ward executives and grassroots mobilizers renouncing their membership of the APC and declaring for the PDP.
Addressing the decampees, Hon. Saheed Popoola, popularly known as Asofin Rere, said he was overwhelmed by the massive turnout, noting that the PDP is now the party to beat in Kwara South.
“From Igosun yesterday to Osi today, you have shown that Kwara South wants Asofin Rere. The message is clear — our people are tired of bad governance, abandoned roads, and insecurity. They want responsive representation, and that is what I am offering,” Popoola said.
He assured the new members of equal treatment and full integration into the party, promising that the PDP will run an all-inclusive campaign that will give everyone a sense of belonging.
“As we head towards 2027, I am certain of victory. Not because of our strength alone, but because Kwarans, especially in Kwara South, have rejected neglect and are ready to vote PDP at all levels. This is just the beginning, more is coming,” he added.
Popoola charged the decampees to return to their polling units and wards to mobilize more voters for the PDP, stressing that the task ahead requires unity and collective effort.
Other PDP leaders who spoke at the events, including Chief Joseph Obanla, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, President of Orisun Igbomina, and Hon. Sayo Amos, PDP Senatorial Chairman, commended Popoola’s leadership and grassroots appeal, describing him as a tested legislator whose return to the Senate will bring dividends of democracy to Kwara South.
The events ended with chants of “Asofin Rere 2027” as the new members pledged their loyalty to the PDP.