By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
Prince Saheed Popoola, a former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Offa constituency and a former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), has officially returned to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The defection, which signals a potential shift in Kwara State’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, took place on Sunday at a ceremony held at the PDP Secretariat in Offa Local Government Area.
The event was attended by the PDP State Working Committee (SWC), led by State Chairman Hon. Isa Bawa Adamu, the Kwara South Senatorial leadership, and other party stakeholders.
Popoola, popularly known as “Ifokanbale1,” led a group of his supporters from APC to PDP, citing poor leadership and misgovernance by the Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq-led APC administration as key reasons for his return.
Addressing the gathering, Prince Popoola stated, “There is no future for Kwara in the APC anymore. My supporters and I are like a wife who has tested two husbands’ homes; we’ve concluded that our people’s future lies elsewhere.”
He added, “The election is just a year away, and we must take back our state from the grip of an absentee governor who has been running a solo government since 2019.”
In his remarks, Hon. Isa Bawa Adamu welcomed Popoola back to the party, describing him as a “formidable grassroots mobilizer” whose return would strengthen PDP’s chances in the state.
“We know this defection will give Governor Abdulrahman and his wobbling APC sleepless nights,” Bawa said as he handed party flags to Popoola.
State Secretary Mallam Abdullahi Abdulrahman Kayode Alase urged PDP members in Offa to receive Popoola and his supporters warmly, emphasizing that the move would bolster efforts to reclaim the state in the 2027 elections.
“Offa is now a PDP local government,” he stated, acknowledging Popoola’s past contributions to the party’s local victories.
The ceremony was attended by numerous party stakeholders, former leaders, and representatives from the Kwara South Senatorial District, all celebrating Popoola’s return and the potential boost it brings to PDP ahead of the general elections.
