The political landscape in Kwara State witnessed another major shake-up over the weekend as key officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gambari Ward 1, Ilorin East Local Government Area, resigned from the ruling party and declared their allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The wave of defections comes barely days after Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial District, announced his exit from the APC, signaling what observers describe as a growing political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At the centre of the latest development are the Chairman of Gambari Ward 1, Alhaji Aliyu Abdulhakeem, and the Ward Secretary, Abdulwaheed Dauda Adanla, who both stepped down from their positions and formally withdrew their membership of the APC. Their departure was quickly followed by 10 other members of the ward executive committee, creating a significant crack in the party’s grassroots structure within the area.

The resignations were communicated to the APC leadership in Ilorin East Local Government Area through separate letters addressed to the council chairman, Habib Ajibola.

In a joint statement announcing their decision, the 10 ward executives said they had carefully considered the political future of the ward before deciding to leave the party.

According to them, the move was taken in what they described as the best interest of their community and supporters.

The defecting officials include the ward treasurer, auditor-general, legal adviser, assistant auditor-general, assistant treasurer, assistant youth leader, assistant women leader, assistant secretary, assistant financial secretary and assistant organising secretary.

The group also confirmed plans to align politically with Senator Mustapha in the PDP as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

Beyond joining the opposition party, the defectors expressed support for what they called an emerging “Rainbow Coalition,” a political movement they believe could reshape the political dynamics of Kwara State ahead of the next electoral cycle.

In his resignation letter, Abdulhakeem thanked party leaders, elders, executive members and supporters for the opportunity to serve during his tenure as ward chairman.

He noted that his decision followed careful reflection and marked the end of his involvement with the APC at both leadership and membership levels.

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Similarly, Adanla announced his resignation from the position of ward secretary and his membership of the party, citing personal and political considerations.

He expressed appreciation to the APC for the opportunity to serve and pledged to return all official documents, records, stamps and other party property in his possession to the appropriate authorities.

The latest defections are widely seen as a direct consequence of Senator Mustapha’s dramatic exit from the APC earlier in the week.

The lawmaker had formally notified party leaders of his resignation through a letter dated August 14, in which he cited consultations with constituents, supporters and political stakeholders as part of the factors that influenced his decision.

Mustapha also pointed to recent developments within the Kwara APC and concerns surrounding the party’s leadership structure in the state as reasons for his departure.

Following his defection, the senator officially joined the PDP and secured the party’s ticket to seek re-election for the Kwara Central Senate seat in the 2027 general election.

Political analysts believe the departure of several ward executives shortly after Mustapha’s exit may be an indication of deeper divisions within the APC in Kwara and could signal the beginning of a broader political movement ahead of the polls.

With campaigns gradually gaining momentum and politicians positioning themselves for the next electoral contest, the latest developments suggest that the battle for Kwara’s political future is already taking shape.

As parties continue to strategise and build alliances, all eyes will remain on Kwara to see whether the growing defections represent isolated incidents or the start of a larger political shift capable of altering the balance of power in the state ahead of 2027.