FORMER SENATOR SIMEON AJIBOLA, EX-APC CHAIRMAN JAMES AYENI, 6,000 OTHERS DEFECT TO PDP IN KWARA

By NaijaParrot | October 26, 2026 Osi, 

Kwara State, Nigeria 

The political landscape in Kwara State has witnessed another major realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the defection of former senator Simeon Sule Ajibola, former All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman James Bamisaye Ayeni and approximately 6,000 other party members to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

 The defectors, drawn from the 10 wards of Ekiti Local Government Area, reportedly announced their departure from the APC during a political gathering held at an event ground opposite Amodu Filling Station in Osi town over the weekend. The development adds to the growing movement of political figures and grassroots supporters between the APC and PDP as political activities intensify ahead of the next general election. 

Ayeni, who served as chairman of the APC Elders Forum in Kwara South, said his decision to leave the ruling party followed consultations with political associates and grassroots stakeholders. He reportedly argued that the decision was driven by concerns over what he described as the marginalisation of their communities, inadequate development and the weakening of internal democracy within the party.

 Ayeni maintained that the defectors were seeking a political platform they believed could better accommodate their interests and promote inclusive governance in Kwara South. His comments reflect the grievances expressed by the departing members. However, the claims concerning marginalisation and the performance of the state government remain the position of the defecting group. 

 Ajibola, a former three-term senator who represented Kwara South, also announced his alignment with the PDP structure in the state under the leadership of former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki. He was represented at the defection ceremony by Tunde Fakayode. 

 According to the report, Ajibola pledged to deploy his political network to support the PDP in Ekiti Local Government Area and across the Kwara South Senatorial District in the 2027 elections. His decision is significant because of his previous legislative experience and political connections within the district, although the extent to which his move will influence voters remains to be seen. 

 The Kwara South PDP Senatorial Chairman, Justus Sayo Amos, welcomed Ajibola, Ayeni and the other defectors, describing their arrival as an important development for the party’s grassroots organisation. The event also attracted PDP stakeholders, including Chief Gbenga Awoyale, president of Orisun Igbomina, who criticised the APC’s reconciliation efforts and argued that the party’s attempts to resolve internal disagreements had come too late. 

 The PDP hopes the influx of new members will strengthen its organisational structure across Ekiti Local Government Area and improve its capacity for grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. However, the actual electoral impact will depend on whether the defectors can sustain their mobilisation efforts and translate their political influence into votes. 

 The latest defection comes amid a broader period of political repositioning in Kwara State, where disagreements over party leadership, candidate selection and succession planning have contributed to movements between the two major parties. In recent weeks, reports have also documented defections involving APC members in parts of Ilorin and Offa, with some groups citing loyalty to political leaders who have moved to the PDP. These developments have added to the contest for grassroots support ahead of 2027. 

For the PDP, the arrival of Ajibola, Ayeni and thousands of reported defectors offers an opportunity to expand its local political network. For the APC, the development presents another challenge as it seeks to maintain unity among its members and retain its support base across the state. Nevertheless, party defections alone do not determine election outcomes. 

The ability of both parties to maintain internal cohesion, present credible candidates and respond to voters’ concerns will remain central to the political contest ahead. As preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, Kwara State is likely to remain a key arena for political negotiations, grassroots mobilisation and shifting alliances. 

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