By joshua 
Popoola Dumps APC for PDP, Accuses Governor Abdulrazaq of Poor Leadership
A former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly and prominent figure in the Otoge movement, Hon. Saheed Popoola, has officially defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing alleged incompetence and poor governance under Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
Popoola, who represented Offa constituency, announced his defection on Sunday during a rally in Offa, where he was received by PDP leaders and supporters. He said his decision to leave the ruling party was motivated by the need to realign with a political platform that prioritizes the welfare of the people.
“This is a defining moment for me. My move to the PDP is based on conviction. Kwara has never witnessed the level of insecurity we are seeing today. Since 1967, we’ve never had banditry in our state. It was in Niger for years but never crossed into Kwara because leaders then knew what they were doing,” Popoola said.
“But the current Governor does not understand governance. He thinks only about himself, and that’s why we are where we are today,” he added.
Popoola lamented that the ideals of the Otoge struggle, which brought the APC to power in 2019, had been abandoned.
“After Otoge, unity and inclusivity were thrown away. Personal interest took over. Those who fought for the movement have been sidelined, and the dream for a better Kwara has been betrayed,” he said.
According to the former lawmaker, his reflection on the direction of the APC made him realize that the party had “lost its soul.”
“I was among the pioneers of APC in 2013, with the hope of building a just and prosperous Nigeria. But over time, loyalty became to individuals, not the people. I’m joining the PDP not out of desperation but because it remains the only party that truly represents fairness, justice, and equity,” he declared.
Popoola predicted that the PDP would reclaim power in Kwara in 2027. “The PDP is going to take over the government and governance of Kwara State in 2027,” he told cheering supporters.
Welcoming him into the party, the state PDP chairman, Hon. Issa Bawa, described Popoola’s return as a “homecoming” that would strengthen the party’s grassroots presence.
“What we have seen today shows clearly that PDP is regaining its momentum. Offa is for PDP in 2027. Offa will rise again and be great again,” Bawa said.
He praised Popoola’s political courage, describing him as “a man of integrity and conviction,” while urging other former PDP members to return.
A former PDP chairman and ex-member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Kola Shittu, also hailed Popoola’s defection, saying it would boost the party’s chances ahead of the next elections.
“Hon. Popoola is a respected leader whose influence cuts across Nigeria. His return will help mobilize support for PDP’s victory in Kwara,” Shittu said.
However, the Kwara APC dismissed Popoola’s exit as insignificant. The party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Waheed Babatunde, said Popoola’s departure would not affect the party’s strength.
“The party won’t miss Saheed Popoola because his presence was never felt. He left long before the last general election and is only making it official now. Offa will remain progressive and continue to support Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the APC to retain power in 2027,” Babatunde stated.