By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin
A two-term member of the Kwara State Home of Meeting and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) within the state, Hon. Saheed Popoola, on Sunday joined the opposition Peoples Democratic Social gathering (PDP) alongside his supporters in APC in Offa, Offa native authorities space of the state.
In the meantime, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)within the state described Saheed Popoola’s exit as inconsequential, stressing that his presence within the celebration was by no means felt apart the truth that he left the celebration lengthy earlier than the final basic elections.
Popoola, who represented Ojomu/Balogun constituency of Offa within the Kwara State Home of Meeting, talking on the occasion, stated his determination to affix the PDP adopted deep reflection on the course of the ruling celebration
“I used to be the primary particular person to contest beneath the APC platform in 2013 in Nigeria. We began the APC along with a imaginative and prescient of justice and prosperity, however over time, the celebration misplaced its soul. Loyalty grew to become to people, not the folks”, he stated.
“I’m becoming a member of the PDP not as a determined politician however as a believer in equity, justice, and fairness. The PDP is peaceable and stays the one viable opposition in Nigeria,” Popoola added.
Popoola additionally declared confidently that, “the PDP would reclaim energy in Kwara come 2027.
“The PDP goes to take over the federal government and governance of Kwara State in 2027”, the previous lawmaker stated to loud cheers from the gang.
He additionally blamed the state authorities on the current invasion of banditry and insecurity in some components of the state.
Popoola stated that, the event was because of the purported misgovernance on the a part of the authorities within the state.
“We’ve by no means seen banditry in Kwara since its creation in 1967. Tons of of our folks have been killed.
“Banditry existed in Niger State for years however by no means crossed into Kwara as a result of the leaders then knew what they had been doing.
“However the present Governor doesn’t perceive governance. He thinks solely about himself and his concepts that’s why we’re the place we’re right now”.he careworn.
One of many former leaders of “O to Ge”(Sufficient is Sufficient) battle stated the “beliefs of the Otoge battle which introduced the APC to energy in 2019 had been betrayed by those that benefited most from the motion.
“After the Otoge battle, which many people fought and sacrificed lots for, the governor deserted the beliefs we stood for.
“Unity of objective and inclusivity had been thrown away, and private curiosity took over”he lamented
Receiving the defectors, the state PDP chairman, Hon. Issa Bawa, described Popoola’s defection as “a homecoming”, saying his return would strengthen the celebration’s base forward of the 2027 elections.
“What we have now seen right now exhibits clearly that PDP is regaining its momentum. Offa is for PDP in 2027. Offa will rise once more and be nice once more”, Bawa stated.
He recommended Popoola’s braveness, describing him as a “man of integrity and conviction”, and urged different former celebration stalwarts to return.
“Senator Bukola Saraki requested me to remind the folks of Offa to check what PDP did for them with what the APC has carried out. The distinction is evident”, he stated.
Reacting to the defection, the Kwara state APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Waheed Babatunde, dismissed Popoola’s exit as inconsequential.
“The celebration gained’t miss Saheed Popoola as a result of his presence was by no means felt. He left lengthy earlier than the final basic election and he’s solely making it official right now”, Babatunde stated.
“Offa has all the time been progressive and can stay so. The folks will proceed to assist Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the APC to retain energy in 2027”, he stated.
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