Abdulrahman Kayode, Aro Dollar, Olalekan Lawal, Others Receive Defectors Into PDP In Ilorin

Hundreds of youths from Ajikobi, Alanamu and Ubandawaki Wards, Ilorin, Kwara State left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the defection ceremony held during the weekend.

 A statement made available to  Team@orientactualmags.com noted that the event drew a large crowd of supporters who declared their total rejection of the current administration in the state and pledged full commitment to the opposition party ahead of future elections.

The State PDP Secretary, who is also a member of Ubandawaki Ward, Comrade Abdulrahman Abdullahi Kayode, commended the courage of the returnees and described their decision as a bold step towards restoring responsible leadership in Kwara State.

He acknowledged the frustration they have suffered while in APC, noting that many who laboured during the Otoge movement were abandoned and left without recognition. Kayode specifically praised the coordinator, Mallam Musa Kabir, for assembling youths across the three wards and for reconciling longstanding internal differences within his community. He assured all the defectors of inclusiveness, party rewards and a participatory role in rebuilding the PDP’s grassroots strength.

The defectors, who were led by Mallam Musa Kabir of Ubandawaki Ward, expressed deep regret for their involvement in the 2019 and 2023 Otoge struggles, describing the movement as a mistake that ushered in hardship and disappointment. They accused the APC government under Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of lacking vision, direction and the capacity to provide opportunities for the young people.

Those who spoke at the defection ceremony including Wasiu Orekan, Alfa Adam Elelubo, Lookman Olarotimi Shehu Mukadam, Alhaja Shuaib Dupe Salamat, Alanamu Abubakar Jos, and a veteran political figure, Alhaji Musa Tapa, condemned what they described as widespread neglect and insensitivity by the current administration in the state. Alhaja Salamat, a victim of the mass civil service sack that followed the Otoge movement, narrated her ordeal and lamented the abandonment of her community while Alhaji Tapa, who worked with the late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki in the political struggles of 1979 before leaving in 2019, declared his full return to the Saraki political family.

He urged youths to equip themselves with voter cards to ‘flush out bad governance’ in 2027.

Ward chairmen, including Mallam Gafar Alawo (Alanamu), Abubakar Yusuf Garba (Ajikobi) and Mallam Mashood Ahmed (Ubandawaki), welcomed the defectors warmly and assured them of full integration, cooperation and an open-door structure in their respective wards.

State Youth Leader, Comrade Odunjo Adio Friday Orlando, urged the new members to deploy their political strength and mobilization capacity in the interest of the party ahead of the 2027 general election while the State Organizing Secretary, Mallam Olaitan Obalowu, also expressed appreciation for their return, promising a clean slate for all and restating the party’s commitment to better governance.

A former top government functionary, Comrade Olamilekan Lawal , who is popularly called Automatic, urged the defectors to consider themselves as full Sarakites, assuring them of equitable treatment and emphasizing collective dedication to the development of Kwara State.

Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s Press Officer on Local Matters , Comrade Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, who is from Ubandawaki Ward, lauded the State Secretary for his exceptional grassroots mobilization efforts while commending the defectors for aligning with the Saraki political structure and assuring them of a level playing field, equal opportunities and the full support of the ward executives. He urged the new members to work closely with the existing structure and harmonize their efforts for the progress of the party.

Kwara Central Senatorial Youth Leader, Hon. Abdulrasaq Aro Dolar, joined other speakers in urging the defectors to channel the same energy used during the Otoge movement toward securing electoral victory for the PDP in the 2027 elections.

Highlights of the event include burning of brooms which symbolized the final breakaway from the APC while Mr Abdulrahman Kayode later presented party flags to the defectors-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you