‘We will follow him’: Ex-APC ward chairman, hundreds of Saliu Mustapha supporters join 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, led by Mr Abdulwaheed, a former APC ward chairman in Oke-Ogun, said their decision to join the PDP was largely driven by their loyalty to Mustapha, whom they described as their political leader.

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

Speaking at the event, Abdulwaheed reaffirmed the group’s commitment to following the senator wherever his political journey leads.

According to him, their decision reflects their confidence in Mustapha’s leadership and their willingness to align with his political choices.

The development comes as political parties and their supporters continue to realign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Welcoming the defectors, the PDP Chairman in Oke-Ogun Ward, Alhaji Woly, commended them for what he described as their courage in leaving the APC to join the opposition party.

Woly assured the new members of equal treatment and cooperation, adding that the party would work with them towards securing victory for PDP candidates in the 2027 elections.

Former Kwara State Commissioner for Health and PDP chieftain, Hon. Atolagbe Alege, also welcomed the defectors and urged them to remain united with existing party members.

Alege called on PDP supporters to close ranks and build a common front capable of challenging the APC in the forthcoming elections.

He expressed confidence that cooperation among party members would strengthen the PDP’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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.

The defection adds to the political activities taking place in Kwara State as parties and political groups position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.