Political Shake-Up in Ilorin South as Hundreds of Saliu Mustapha Supporters Dump APC for PDP

Hundreds of supporters of Senator Saliu Mustapha in Oke-Ogun Ward, Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State, have defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring their readiness to follow the senator’s political direction.

The defectors, under the banner of Saliu Mustapha Supporters, first staged a rally tagged “Hijrah with Turaki” before moving to the venue of the defection ceremony, where they were received by PDP leaders and chieftains.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the PDP in Oke-Ogun Ward, Alhaji Woly, welcomed the new members and commended them for what he described as their courage in leaving the APC to join the opposition party.

He assured the defectors of equal treatment and cooperation, promising that the party would work with them towards securing victory for PDP candidates in the 2027 general elections.

The leader of the group, Mr Abdulwaheed, who also served as an APC ward Chairman in Oke-Ogun, said their decision to join the PDP was driven largely by their loyalty to Senator Mustapha, whom he described as their political leader.

According to him, the supporters are prepared to follow the senator wherever his political journey leads, reaffirming their commitment to supporting him and his political decisions.

Abdulwaheed also urged eligible residents who had yet to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to take advantage of the opportunity to register and collect their cards, stressing the importance of voter participation in the electoral process.

Former Kwara State Commissioner for Health and PDP chieftain, Hon. Atolagbe Alege, also welcomed the defectors, urging them to remain united and work with other party members to strengthen the PDP’s chances in the forthcoming elections.

Alege called on party supporters to close ranks and build a common front capable of challenging the APC and securing victory for PDP candidates.

The defection is the latest political development in Ilorin South as parties and political groups continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.