Mass Defection Hits APC in Offa as 2,500 Members Join PDP, Fault AbdulRahman Govt
…We are Moving Forward with PDP in Offa – Prince Popoola
…Gov AbdulRahman’s Convoy Witnesses Mammoth Crowd as Major Roads Blocked During Defection
No fewer than 2,500 members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Offa Local Government Area have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in what political watchers described as a major realignment in Kwara South.
The defectors, drawn from the 12 wards in Offa, announced their decision at a mega rally held in Offa on Saturday. They cited exclusion, lack of internal democracy and selfish leadership of the APC at local and state levels.
The rally, which took off from Iyeru Primary School, shut down commercial activities as major roads leading to the venue were blocked by supporters chanting pro-PDP songs.
The new members were formally received by the PDP Senatorial Candidate for Kwara South, Prince Saheed Popoola, alongside the PDP Senatorial Chairman for Kwara South, the Senatorial Women Leader, the House of Assembly Candidate for Offa Constituency, local government party executives and other party chieftains.
Speaking at the rally, Prince Popoola described the defection as historic and a clear rejection of retrogressive governance.
“This is a movement of liberation. We are moving forward with PDP in Offa. For too long our people have been sidelined in their own party. Today, you have taken a bold step to join a party that values inclusion, equity and development,” Prince Popoola said.
He assured the defectors of equal rights and full integration, promising an open-door policy that carries everyone along.
Leaders of the defecting groups, speaking for the 12 wards, accused the APC leadership of running a one-man show where decisions are taken by a few without consultation.
They described the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as retrogressive to the development of Offa, saying the town has suffered neglect and marginalization in infrastructure and political appointments despite its contributions to the state.
In a dramatic twist, the convoy of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq ran into the mammoth crowd while passing through the venue. The Governor and his team witnessed the sea of PDP supporters chanting praises of Dr. Bukola Saraki, in what many saw as a clear show of rejection.
Hours after witnessing the defection, Governor AbdulRahman attended the Annual Maulud Nabiy celebration organized by the Chief Imam of Offa, where he announced a donation of over N60 million.
Reacting, PDP leaders at the rally said the people of Offa can no longer be swayed by last-minute monetary inducements, insisting the people have made up their minds for purposeful leadership in the next general elections.
The event ended with formal registration of new members and solidarity songs by women and youth groups.
SHAFIHI ABDULRASHEED is a communication strategist and media professional with expertise in public relations, strategic communication, and crisis management. A graduate of the University of Ilorin with a degree in Sociology and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Peace and Security Studies, Shafihi holds the professional credential of Associate, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (ANIPR). His career spans media relations, perception management, policy communication, and organizational leadership. He possesses over a decade of experience working with government, non-profit organizations, and private sector clients on matters of strategic communication and public engagement.
