A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwar state, Hon. Saheed Popoola, has officially joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside his supporters in APC in Offa, Offa local government area of the state.
Describing his exit as inconsequential, the APC emphasized that his presence in the party was never felt aside the fact that he left the party long before the last general elections.
Popoola, who represented Ojomu/Balogun constituency of Offa in the Kwara State House of Assembly, said his decision to join the PDP followed deep reflection on the direction of the ruling party
He said; “I was the first person to contest under the APC platform in 2013 in Nigeria. We started the APC together with a vision of justice and prosperity, but over time, the party lost its soul. Loyalty became to individuals, not the people.
“I’m joining the PDP not as a desperate politician but as a believer in fairness, justice, and equity. The PDP is peaceful and remains the only viable opposition in Nigeria.”
Popoola also expressed confidence that, the PDP would reclaim power in Kwara come 2027.
He added; “The PDP is going to take over the government and governance of Kwara State in 2027.”
He added further that the invasion of bandits and rising insecurity in some parts of the state were due to the purported misgovernance on the part of the authorities in the state
“We have never seen banditry in Kwara since its creation in 1967. Hundreds of our people have been killed.
“Banditry existed in Niger State for years but never crossed into Kwara because the leaders then knew what they were doing.
“But the current Governor does not understand governance. He thinks only about himself and his ideas that’s why we are where we are today,” he said.
Receiving the defectors, the state PDP chairman, Hon. Issa Bawa, described Popoola’s defection as “a homecoming”.
He said; “What we have seen today shows clearly that PDP is regaining its momentum. Offa is for PDP in 2027. Offa will rise again and be great aga.”
He commended Popoola’s courage, describing him as a “man of integrity and conviction”, and urged other former party stalwarts to return.
Meanwhile, the Kwara state APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Waheed Babatunde, said Popoola won’t be missed.
“The party won’t miss Saheed Popoola because his presence was never felt. He left long before the last general election and he’s only making it official today.
“Offa has always been progressive and will remain so. The people will continue to support Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the APC to retain power in 2027”, he said.
