No fewer than 1,500 members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State have joined the All Progressives Congress, citing grievances over the treatment of members within the opposition party.
The defectors, drawn from Alapa/Onire/Odegiwa Ward, announced their decision during a ward meeting attended by APC leaders and supporters, including the Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Abdullateef Alakawa, and Kwara State House of Assembly member, Shittu Motunrayo.
The new APC members attributed their departure from the PDP to what they described as the mistreatment of members, imposition of candidates and a poor reward system for party loyalty.
They also said they were attracted to the APC because of what they described as visible achievements and opportunities available to party members, particularly youths.
Receiving the defectors, Alakawa assured them that they would be treated as members of the same political family, urging them to remain committed to the party and contribute to its growth at the grassroots.
He said the movement of the PDP members into the APC demonstrated their confidence in the ruling party and its programmes.
The latest development comes amid ongoing political realignments in Kwara ahead of the 2027 general elections, with both the APC and PDP seeking to strengthen their structures at the grassroots.
The defection also comes against the backdrop of recent movement between the two major parties in the state. Earlier in September, hundreds of APC members in Offa Local Government Area reportedly moved to the PDP, citing confidence in the leadership of former Senate President Bukola Saraki and dissatisfaction with the ruling party.
The competing movements highlight the continuing efforts by the two parties to consolidate their support bases across Kwara as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
