Kwara State’s political scene has been shaken by the defection of 24 prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The wave of departures, which includes former governors, legislators and grassroots organisers, is seen as one of the biggest setbacks yet for the PDP in the state.
The exodus was led by former governor Abdulfatai Ahmed, who announced in July that he was leaving the PDP for the ADC. Citing a “lack of vision and internal democracy,” Ahmed said he was convinced the party could no longer deliver on the aspirations of its members.
His move opened the floodgates for other senior figures to leave.
Among those who have crossed over are Gbenga Makanjuola, the PDP’s deputy gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election, and Dare Bankole, a two-time House of Representatives candidate.
Both joined the APC, pledging support for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s development agenda. At a rally in Omu-Aran, Makanjuola said the PDP had “lost its soul” and that Kwara’s future lies in “a party that works for the people.”
Bolaji Abdullahi, the PDP’s 2023 senatorial candidate for Kwara Central and a former APC national publicity secretary, also joined the ADC. In a speech in Ilorin, Abdullahi accused the PDP of “stagnation” and called the ADC “the only viable opposition in Kwara.”
Others who have defected to the APC include Hon. Wahab Issa, a former member of the House of Representatives; Kehinde Alex Bankole, a 2019 state constituency candidate; Haliru Dantsoho, former PDP youth leader; Hon. Adam Zakaria, a ward chairman; Hon. Toyin Ibrahim, a former councilor; Samson Osoba, a former council secretary in Oyun; and Hon. Joshua Omokanye Jalalala, a former Oyun local government chairman.
Several other figures, including Hon. Amuda Kanike, a former member of the House of Representatives; Hajiya Nana Suleiman, PDP North-Central zonal women leader; and Engr. A.T. Asanloko, a former council secretary, have moved to the ADC. They say the PDP’s leadership has failed to provide opportunities for inclusion and growth.
Bukola Saraki, the PDP’s most influential figure in the state, called an emergency meeting in Ilorin to try to prevent further losses, but his appeal fell on deaf ears.
The defections continued, with some openly challenging Saraki’s leadership and calling time on what they described as “one-man politics.”
Governor AbdulRazaq has welcomed the defectors, describing their decision as a vote of confidence in his government’s direction.
At a rally in Kaiama, he said: “Kwara is moving forward, and the APC is the vehicle for progress. We welcome all who share our vision.”
For the PDP, the fallout has been severe. Many grassroots leaders, councillors, and organisers who have formed the backbone of the party’s political structure in the state have abandoned it. With the departure of such a large number of leaders and their followers, observers say the PDP faces an uphill battle to remain relevant.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a two-phase Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) for 2025. Online pre-registration opens August 18 via http://cvr.inecnigeria.org, while in-person registration begins August 25 at all INEC Local Government offices nationwide.
Physical registration will operate Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at designated centers. The commission urges all eligible Nigerians, particularly first-time voters and those needing updates, to participate in the exercise.
Voter enrollment remains mandatory for participation in future elections. INEC provides multiple support channels including the hotline 0700-CALL-INEC (0700-2255-4632), SMS shortcode 4632, and dedicated phone lines 09050858629, 09050858675, and 09050858649.
Email inquiries can be directed to Iccc@inecnigeria.org, with additional resources available on INEC’s official websites. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to “consolidating Nigeria’s democracy” through inclusive voter access.
… Commend administration’s strides in development and youth empowerment
The All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leaders in Kwara Central Senatorial District have pledged their loyalty and support to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, acknowledging his administration’s remarkable efforts in improving the socio-economic lives of the people.
Speaking during a visit to the Commissioner for Youth Development, Ndanusa Shehu, in Ilorin, the APC Youth Coordinator for Kwara Central and Adewole Ward Youth Leader, Moshood Salman, lauded the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, social investment, health, education, and governance. He urged the people of Kwara to continue supporting the administration to ensure sustained development across the state.
In his remarks, Commissioner Ndanusa Shehu emphasized the AbdulRazaq administration’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and development. He highlighted various government initiatives designed to enhance opportunities for young people and encouraged them to actively participate in political and developmental processes to secure a brighter future for themselves and the state.
Regardless of how they hide and downplay it every now and then, Kwarans already know Senator Saliu Mustapha is nursing the ambition to become Governor of Kwara State come 2027. While there is nothing strange in nursing an ambition, it is evil to play dangerous and cunning politics capable of tearing lineage apart, setting the Emirate for war, and destroying the party that gave you the platform to be whatever you are presently.
This barbaric politics is exactly what Mustapha and his team are playing, and it’s so foolhardy of them to think it can sail through. While it may give them emotive sympathy in the beginning, people will later come to see the truth, then it backfires heavily. Nobody likes to be taken for a ride!
Yesterday, we read reports (obviously from commissioned media outlets) of how the Sulu-Gambari Pavillion was stopped by the Kwara State Government. They slanted the story to give sympathy to the camp of the lawmaker. The truth later emerged when KW-GIS issued its official statement, that the project, facilitated by Mustapha, failed to follow due protocol and get necessary regulatory approvals.
I recall that this is not the first time. That was exactly what the senator’s camp did during the Gaa Aremu-Isale Jagun road construction. They bypassed the state authorities, but were quick to play the victim card.
It is even more laughable that after commissioning slanted media narratives to milk political capital and sympathy, the senator would formally come out to direct that the right thing be done. This is being clever by half. The development can only mean two things, and none is good for the image Mustapha is seeking for himself.
On the one hand, it could be interpreted to mean incompetence and mediocrity, which many political commentators had argued would characterise the representation of Mustapha. Isn’t he proving the assumption right with examples in these flagrant disregards for basic protocol and laws overtime, and what appears to be a lacklustre performance compared to the tempo set by his predecessor?
On the other hand, it could well be perceived as a mischief. You disregard protocol and regulations to curry public sympathy, and then later come out to acknowledge they were truly ignored. Now, that is impunity. Or does the senator and his team expect to get a special treatment? Saliu Mustapha should not forget he is a lawmaker; more reason he should follow laws and protocols. If as a lawmaker, you are too big to follow the laws, and basic rules and regulations, then you do not know your onions.
I must also underline that the political strategy of using the voice of Jacob and the hands of Esau is old-fashioned and dead-on-arrival. Everyone knows who does what. The senator should stop being a weakling and man up to his agenda. This desperation is now seen everywhere!
Leaders from across the Kwara South Senatorial District convened over the weekend in Lagos to deliberate on the socio-economic and political progress of the region. The meeting, held under the banner of the Kwara South Development Initiative (KSDI), was marked by widespread commendation of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, with attendees affirming that his administration has outperformed all predecessors since 1999 in advancing the region’s development.
The summit, hosted at Eko Hotel, marked the fourth gathering organized by KSDI to foster unity and refocus developmental goals within Kwara South. The first two summits were held in Oko, with the third taking place in Abuja.
In his opening address, Dr. Johnson Adewunmi, Convener of KSDI and Founder of Thomas Adewunmi University, called on Kwara South indigenes to rally together and commit to the region’s growth. He praised Governor AbdulRazaq for his remarkable contributions to infrastructural development in Kwara South and across the state, urging citizens to return home and invest in their communities.
Dr. Adewunmi presented a paper on the socio-economic development of Kwara South, highlighting the importance of small and medium-scale industries and cooperative societies. He emphasized that these initiatives, led by KSDI, are critical for the district’s economic advancement.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq delivered a goodwill message virtually, commending the summit’s theme as both relevant and timely. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting KSDI and urged Kwara South leaders to maintain unity and work collectively towards the state’s development.
The Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Ojo Oyebode Olayiwola, echoed these sentiments, encouraging Kwara indigenes in Lagos to collaborate with their counterparts at home for the district’s progress. He lauded Dr. Adewunmi’s leadership and sustained investment in the region’s education, health, and economic sectors.
Hon. Benjamin Jolayemi, Chairman of Isin Local Government, presented the achievements of local government chairmen within their first 100 days in office, further demonstrating the administration’s dedication to grassroots development.
The forum also recognized Governor AbdulRazaq’s notable infrastructural achievements, including the completion and commissioning of the Kwara State University (Osi Campus) and various road projects. These projects, which have transformed the region’s connectivity and accessibility, include roads in Omu-Aran, Oko, Oro Ago, Oro, Esie, Agbonda, Arandun, and others spanning multiple local government areas.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration received accolades for addressing long-standing infrastructural challenges, particularly with the Osi-Obbo Aiyegunle road, which had been neglected for over five decades.
In a significant development, the leaders pledged to align with Governor AbdulRazaq’s vision and direction for the state, reaffirming their support as the 2027 elections approach. The summit concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to foster unity and collaboration, ensuring continued progress and prosperity for Kwara South.
Following the fencing off of the challenge trade area, the Kwara State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party has resorted to a barrage of criticisms aimed at the current administration’s decision to fence the places. Predictably, they have framed this necessary reform as an attack on the livelihood of traders, all while conveniently ignoring the broader context and the genuine intentions behind this move. Let’s be clear: this is not about stifling commerce or punishing traders. It’s about ensuring public safety, fostering urban renewal, and providing a more organized trading environment that benefits everyone.
Urban Renewal vs. Political Rhetoric
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration has been steadfast in its commitment to urban renewal. The decision to fence trade area areas, particularly in strategic locations such as the Post Office/Unity axis, is part of a broader effort to modernize the city and prevent the spread of trading activities onto the road. This reform is not arbitrary; it is a thoughtful, well-planned action aimed at improving the quality of life for all Kwarans.
The PDP’s criticism, however, reeks of political opportunism. During their time in power, urban planning and development were glaringly absent. Now, rather than supporting meaningful reforms, they are clinging to a status quo that no longer serves the people. Their rhetoric is designed to stir emotions and create divisions, but it lacks substance and foresight.
One of the primary reasons for fencing the trade areaareas is safety. Allowing traders to extend their activities onto the road poses a significant risk to both the traders and the general public. The chaos of unregulated roadside trading increases the likelihood of accidents, endangers lives, and disrupts traffic flow. Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration is not willing to gamble with the safety of its citizens for political convenience.
By confining trading activities within designated areas, the government ensures a safer, more organized environment for everyone. This decision is not anti-trader—it is pro-safety, pro-organization, and ultimately, pro-progress. The traders are being provided with secure spaces where they can continue their businesses without the looming dangers of the expressway.
What the PDP calls draconian economic strangulation is simply keeping citizens safe but how will they have a news story in their name if they don’t go to town with political rhetoric dressed in the garb of sharp-spoken English?
Critics may argue that fencing the trade areas is disruptive, but the reality is that the land is a G-item in urban planning law. It is strictly meant for railway. The traders were there illegally in the first place. The protective fence is the cheapest option for the traders, it is also the least painful option available. The government could have opted for outright demolition, which would have been far more drastic and would have caused significant hardship for the traders. Instead, an agreeable solution was reached, balancing the need for order and safety with the traders’ right to earn a living.
The two wide and spacious entrances provided at the post office and unity road ends are more than adequate for access to the trade area complex. The notion that multiple entrances must be maintained, allowing trading activities to spill back onto the expressway, is both impractical and regressive. This suggestion, championed by the PDP, is a clear case of status quo bias—a resistance to change simply because it’s different from what people are used to. Change is often met with resistance, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t necessary or beneficial.
Keeping the status quo is not beneficial
As humans, we always want to stay with the familiar, but the familiar, the status quo has never befitted anyone. Lagos is a good example; Lagosians used to dread visiting Oshodi, nothing changed until an administration came along and decided to rewrite the story. it s the same everywhere: Nothing changes until an administration comes along and puts political sentiment aside and rewrite the story.
What would Kwara PDP know about that though? They have always placed political expediency over real developmental work. Kwarans must reject this type of leadership that is all bark and no bite, change is painful but it is beneficial in the long run.
A Secure and Organized Trading Environment
The administration understands the importance of commerce and the role traders play in the local economy. The reforms are not designed to hinder their operations but to enhance them. By creating a secure and organized trading environment, the government is laying the foundation for a more prosperous and sustainable trade area system.
Traders will still have access to their customers and the facilities they need to thrive. The difference is that their businesses will now operate in a more orderly and safer setting. This change will not only benefit the traders but also the general public, who will experience less congestion and safer roads.
It is ironic that the PDP, which failed to implement any significant urban development projects during their time in power, is now positioning itself as the defender of traders. Their sudden concern for the welfare of traders is a thinly veiled attempt to score political points. Where was this concern when they had the opportunity to make meaningful changes? Their criticisms are not rooted in genuine care for the people but in a desperate bid to remain relevant.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has consistently shown that it is committed to the welfare of all Kwarans, including traders. The decision to fence the trade areas is just one example of the many reforms aimed at improving the state. The PDP’s attempts to undermine these efforts are not only baseless but also counterproductive.
In the end
Urban renewal goes beyond aesthetics; it is about creating a safer, more functional city for everyone. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s decision to fence trade area areas is a step in the right direction. It is a balanced approach that considers the needs of the traders while prioritizing public safety and order.
The PDP’s criticisms should be seen for what they are—political posturing devoid of any real solutions or vision. The people of Kwara deserve better than to be subjected to the same tired rhetoric from a party that failed to deliver when they had the chance. Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration is focused on real progress, and the people of Kwara are already reaping the benefits.Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration is committed to building a better Kwara, and no amount of political grandstanding will derail this mission.
Assured of safety, Kwarans will go in and shop to their heart’s content. That is how this will go down. By Comrade Yahaya Muyideen Anifowoshe. Anifowoshe writes from Ilorin West
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called on members and elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State to foster unity, mutual understanding, and peace. Speaking over the weekend in Ilorin, the state capital, the governor emphasized that unity and peace are crucial for the APC to maintain its winning momentum both in the state and nationally.
Addressing the Ifelodun APC Elders’ Council, led by Senator Makanjuola Ajadi, Governor AbdulRazaq acknowledged the vital support of the Elders’ Council and other stakeholders. He pledged to continue addressing their concerns, particularly in the areas of road construction, provision of social amenities, and political appointments.
“I want us to strengthen and deepen the spirit of working together. A divided house will lead us nowhere,” the governor remarked. He stressed the importance of unity, warning that division would make the party vulnerable. “Let us work together and look forward to a good year—a year of more prosperity, a year of stability, and a year of proper engagement among ourselves,” he added.
Governor AbdulRazaq also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of some contractors handling road projects in the region, specifically mentioning the Ora township road. He assured the elders that necessary steps were being taken to address these issues. The governor highlighted the completion of several key projects, including the new Orisa bridge that connects Irepodun to Ifelodun local government.
In response, Senator Ajadi reaffirmed the council’s commitment to the APC’s mission, noting that the council’s membership spans across all 18 political wards in the local government. He lauded the governor for his remarkable achievements, stating that his impact is visible throughout the state.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Highlights Milestones and Future Plans at IEDPU Conference
The 59th National Conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) was a significant occasion for the people of Kwara State. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the special guest, used the platform to showcase his administration’s achievements and outline future projects that will transform the state.
During his speech, the Governor emphasized key accomplishments, including:
Infrastructure Development: The completion of over 300 kilometers of road networks across the state.
Education Reform: Renovation of over 600 schools and provision of modern teaching aids to enhance learning.
Healthcare Improvements: Rehabilitation of hospitals and the launch of community health insurance to expand access to quality care.
The Governor also announced upcoming projects, such as a state-of-the-art civic center in Ilorin and increased investment in technology to boost youth employment. The event concluded with a call for unity among the Ilorin Emirate’s descendants to further drive development.
