By Okojie Annabelle Ofure
September 10 2026
The political contest in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general elections has intensified following the defection of hundreds of All Progressives Congress (APC) members and supporters to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in two wards associated with prominent APC figures.
The first wave of defections occurred in the political ward of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, where the defectors cited dissatisfaction with the APC administration and concerns about the direction of governance in the state.
The new PDP members pledged to strengthen the opposition party at the grassroots and mobilise support for its candidates as political activities gather pace ahead of the elections.
A similar development was reported in Shawo Central Ward, Offa, the political base of Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru. APC members and supporters in the ward also announced their decision to join the PDP.
The defectors in Offa attributed their move largely to their confidence in the leadership of former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and their belief that the PDP provides a stronger platform for advancing the interests of the people.
The development was followed by a solidarity procession involving women from the ward, who moved through parts of the community singing traditional songs and expressing support for the PDP and Saraki.
They also pledged to mobilise voters across Offa Local Government Area as the parties prepare for the 2027 electoral contest.
The defections are significant coming from areas linked to two senior APC political figures and could further intensify the struggle for grassroots influence across Kwara’s three senatorial districts.
Both the APC and PDP have stepped up mobilisation, stakeholder engagement and efforts to strengthen their structures, with the opposition seeking to expand its base while the ruling party works to consolidate its existing support.
As political activities move deeper into the wards and local government areas, the latest developments are likely to heighten the battle for political dominance in Kwara ahead of the 2027 elections.
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