From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The political landscape in Kwara State, is witnessing renewed realignment at the grassroots, with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the political ward of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A similar development was recorded in Shawo Central Ward, Offa, the political base of Senator Lola Ashiru, Deputy Senate Leader, where a number of APC members and supporters also announced their decision to join the PDP.
The developments have intensified political activities in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in the affected wards and communities.
In the Governor’s political ward, the defectors attributed their decision to what they described as dissatisfaction with the APC administration and concerns about the direction of governance in the state.
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They said they had decided to seek a new political platform, with the PDP emerging as their preferred destination.
The development comes as the PDP continues efforts to rebuild its grassroots structures and expand its membership across Kwara.
In Shawo Central Ward, Offa, the defectors similarly announced their allegiance to the PDP, citing their confidence in the leadership of former Senate President and prominent Kwara politician, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
They also expressed the belief that the PDP could provide a platform through which the interests and aspirations of residents of Offa and the state could be better represented.
The declaration was followed by a show of support from women in the ward, who turned out in large numbers for a solidarity procession.
The women moved through parts of the community, singing traditional songs and chanting in support of the PDP and Saraki’s leadership.
They pledged to mobilise support for the party across Offa Local Government Area ahead of the 2027 elections.
The latest movement is notable because Shawo Central Ward, is the political base of Senator Ashiru, who represents Kwara South Senatorial District in the National Assembly and serves as Deputy Senate Leader.
The developments in the two wards have consequently added to the ongoing political realignment in Kwara, with both the APC and PDP seeking to consolidate their grassroots support ahead of the next general elections.
The PDP has in recent months recorded movements of members from other political parties across Kwara North, Kwara Central and Kwara South, as the opposition party works to strengthen its structures ahead of 2027.
The latest defections also underscore the growing importance of ward-level political structures in the contest for grassroots support, particularly as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 elections.
With the elections still ahead, the movement of members between the two major parties is expected to continue to shape political calculations across the state, as the APC seeks to retain its structures while the PDP intensifies efforts to expand its reach.
The developments therefore mark another phase in the evolving political contest in Kwara, where both parties are increasingly focusing on wards and communities as they position themselves for the 2027 polls.
