Politics
Powerful Former APC Lawmaker Dumps Party, Decamps To PDP, Reasons Emerge
A former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Saheed Popoola, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending weeks of speculation about his political future.
The two-term lawmaker made the announcement on Sunday in Offa, Offa Local Government Area, where he was formally received alongside a large group of his supporters, Vanguard reported.
Popoola, who represented Ojomu/Balogun constituency, said his decision followed “deep reflection” on the state of the APC, which he accused of abandoning its founding ideals.
I was the first person to contest under the APC platform in 2013 in Nigeria. We started the APC together with a vision of justice and prosperity, but over time, the party lost its soul. Loyalty became to individuals, not the people,” he said.
Popoola explained that his move to the PDP was not out of desperation but conviction.
“I’m joining the PDP not as a desperate politician but as a believer in fairness, justice, and equity. The PDP is peaceful and remains the only viable opposition in Nigeria,” he said.Kwara in 2027, adding that the people were already disillusioned with the APC administration. “The PDP is going to take over the government and governance of Kwara State in 2027,” he said amid applause from his supporters.
Popoola also criticized the current government for the rising cases of banditry and insecurity in parts of the state. He said the development was a result of “misgovernance and poor leadership.”
“We have never seen banditry in Kwara since its creation in 1967. Hundreds of our people have been killed. Banditry existed in Niger State for years but never crossed into Kwara because the leaders then knew what they were doing. But the current Governor does not understand governance. He thinks only about himself and his ideas, that’s why we are where we are today,” he said.
Receiving the defectors, Kwara PDP Chairman, Hon. Issa Bawa, described Popoola’s return as a “homecoming,” saying his presence would boost the party’s strength ahead of the 2027 polls.
“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,” he said.
Bawa praised Popoola’s courage, calling him “a man of integrity and conviction.” He also quoted former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who urged the people to “compare what PDP did for them with what the APC has done. The difference is clear.”
However, the APC dismissed the defection as insignificant. The party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Waheed Babatunde, said Popoola’s exit would not affect the party’s chances.
“The party won’t miss Saheed Popoola because his presence was never felt. He left long before the last general election and he’s only making it official today,” Babatunde stated.
He added that Offa remains a stronghold of progressive politics and would continue to support Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the APC in the 2027 elections.
The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Pantami Ward, Gombe Local Government Area of Gombe State, Bala Salihu Ngalda, has resigned from his position and left the ruling party.
His resignation comes at a time of active political manoeuvring across Gombe State as politicians and party structures begin repositioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a resignation letter dated July 27, 2026, and addressed to the ward secretary, Ngalda said his decision takes immediate effect following consultations with his family.
“I write to formally tender my resignation as Ward Chairman and as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pantami Ward, with immediate effect,” he said.
He explained that he made the decision after careful consideration and discussions with his family. However, he did not disclose his next political move or indicate whether he would join another party.
Ngalda thanked the APC leadership at the ward, local government, state and national levels for giving him the opportunity to serve. He also expressed appreciation to the Gombe State Government for its support during his tenure.
“I wish to use this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the party at the Local Government, State and National levels for the opportunity given to me to serve in this capacity. I am equally grateful to the Gombe State Government for the support and cooperation extended throughout my tenure,” he said.
“Although I am stepping away from my position and membership, I will continue to hold the party and its ideals in high regard, and I wish it continued growth and success,” he added.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has voided and set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court which ordered the proscription of the African Democratic Congress ADC, Accord Party and three others.
The appellate court in a judgment on Tuesday held that the Forum of Former Legislators, which filed the deregistration suit have no locus standi to have instituted the matter.
The Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Peter Odo Lifu was consequently voided, set aside and thrown out.
In the unambiguous judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal panel led by Justice Abba Bello, a penalty of N1 million was awarded against the former legislators that filed the case.
More details later…
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been appointed as one of the co-chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
The ruling party announced that the campaign council will be inaugurated in Abuja on Tuesday as part of preparations for the off-cycle governorship election.
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, will chair the council, while Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas will serve as co-chairmen.
The APC also appointed Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Political and Other Matters, as deputy chairman of the council, while Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin will serve as secretary.
According to the party, specialised committees have also been created to oversee campaign planning, finance, grassroots mobilisation, logistics, media, security, youth and women’s mobilisation, persons with disabilities, protocol, monitoring, and secretariat duties as campaigns gather pace ahead of the election.Government
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