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Former Kwara Lawmaker Joins PDP Amidst Insurgency and Misgovernance Allegations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin A two-term member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Saheed Popoola, has joined the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside his supporters in APC in Offa, Offa local government area of the state. Popoola's decision to join the PDP was motivated by what he perceived as a deviation from the party's original vision of justice and prosperity. He cited the alleged misgovernance of the current state government as a major factor in the recent surge in banditry and insecurity in some parts of the state.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hon. Saheed Popoola, a two-term member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, has joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside his supporters in APC in Offa.
  • Popoola's decision was motivated by what he perceived as a deviation from the APC's original vision of justice and prosperity.
  • He cited the alleged misgovernance of the current state government as a major factor in the recent surge in banditry and insecurity in some parts of the state.
  • Popoola predicted that the PDP will reclaim power in Kwara come 2027, stating "the PDP is going to take over the government and governance of Kwara State in 2027".
  • He also blamed the state government for failing to prevent banditry, stating "we have never seen banditry in Kwara since its creation in 1967, hundreds of our people have been killed".
  • Popoola also criticized the current state government for prioritizing personal interests over the well-being of the people.
  • The state PDP chairman, Hon. Issa Bawa, described Popoola's defection as "a homecoming" and stated that his return will strengthen PDP's base ahead of the 2027 elections.
  • The state APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Waheed Babatunde, dismissed Popoola's exit as inconsequential, stating "the party won't miss Saheed Popoola because his presence was never felt".

Statistics:

  • 1967: Year Kwara State was created.
  • 2013: Year Hon. Saheed Popoola first contested under the APC platform.
  • 2019: Year APC won the governorship election in Kwara State.
  • 2025: The current year, according to the copyright year mentioned in the source material.
  • 2027: Year predicted by Popoola for PDP to reclaim power in Kwara.

Sources:

  • Vanguard: Copyright 2025, All rights reserved, Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).

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