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Kwara State’s political landscape has shifted significantly as two high-profile members of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Bolaji Abdullahi, who served as education commissioner under ex-Governor Bukola Saraki, have been confirmed as official members of the ADC, according to local reports.

The defections spotlight internal challenges within the PDP, which has governed Kwara for over a decade but now grapples with a wave of departures. State PDP Chairman Babatunde Mohammed acknowledged the exits during a Wednesday interview in Ilorin, stating the party is compiling a detailed list of defectors across Kwara’s 16 local government areas. Lists for three districts are already complete, though specific numbers remain undisclosed.

Abdullahi’s dual role as ADC’s acting national publicity secretary adds strategic weight to the move, potentially amplifying the party’s visibility ahead of future elections. Meanwhile, Bukola Saraki—former senate president and a pivotal figure in Kwara politics—reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP. His stance contrasts with ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who recently resigned from the party amid broader realignments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Analysts suggest the PDP’s weakening grip in Kwara could deepen, with more defections anticipated. The state has long been a PDP stronghold, but recent shifts signal growing fractures in its support base. The ADC, a smaller opposition party, appears poised to capitalize on the discord, bolstered by influential newcomers like Ahmed, whose governorship (2011–2019) gives him extensive grassroots networks.

While the PDP works to quantify its losses, the developments underscore Nigeria’s volatile political climate, where allegiances often shift in response to internal party dynamics and electoral calculations. Kwara’s evolving scenario mirrors nationwide trends, as parties recalibrate strategies to navigate an increasingly competitive landscape. For now, observers are watching closely to see if the ADC’s gains mark a temporary realignment or the emergence of a new political force in the region.