Former Kwara lawmaker and two-term member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Saheed Popoola, has left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The defection ceremony was also attended by many of his supporters who also switched allegiance to the opposition party.
Popoola, who once represented Ojomu/Balogun constituency, said his move to the PDP came after reflecting on the direction of the ruling party.
According to him, the APC no longer represents the values it once stood for, and loyalty within the party has shifted from serving the people to serving individuals.
He explained that his decision was driven by his belief in fairness, justice, and equity, which he said the PDP upholds.
The former lawmaker also expressed confidence that the PDP would reclaim power in Kwara State by 2027.
He criticized the current administration for poor governance and blamed it for the rise of insecurity and banditry in parts of the state.
Popoola argued that Kwara had never experienced such insecurity since its creation, alleging that the present government’s approach to leadership has worsened the situation.
He further accused the APC-led government of betraying the ideals of the “O to Ge” movement, which brought the party to power in 2019.
Popoola said the unity and collective purpose that drove the struggle have been abandoned for personal interests, leaving those who worked hard for the movement disappointed.
While welcoming Popoola and his supporters, the Kwara State PDP chairman, Hon. Issa Bawa, described the defection as a return home, noting that it would strengthen the party’s structure ahead of the next general elections.
He stated that the PDP was gaining ground across the state and assured that Offa would once again become a PDP stronghold.
O ti WA short change.
His mind to be the next governor but the choice of the out going governor didn’t favour him.