PDP rallies supporters in Kwara

PDP supporters at the rally held in Ilorin on Saturday. Credit: TROVE Online Media

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State on Saturday held a mega rally across major communities in the area, with a massive crowd turning out to demonstrate support for the party and its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally, convened by the PDP Chairman in Ilorin West Local Government Area, Mallam Abdulkadir Issa, and his executive committee, was organised as part of the party’s voter sensitisation, mobilisation, and awareness campaign, as well as to appreciate residents for their continued support.

The procession commenced at the Omoda Roundabout and moved through Odeadana, Alore, Oloje, Itamerin, Pakata, Idigba, Gaa Aremu, and Adeta, before proceeding through the Agbo-Oba, Surulere, Adabata, and Agaka communities.

It finally terminated at Oja Oba, near the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, after covering a significant portion of the local government area.

The crowd continued to grow as the procession moved from one community to another, with residents joining along the route. Despite the long distance covered, participants remained energetic, maintaining the rally’s momentum until its final destination.

The exercise witnessed the participation of PDP members from the 12 political wards in Ilorin West, alongside community leaders, marketers, transporters, youths, women, and other residents.

The rally was also used to canvass support for the party’s candidates, including the governorship candidate, Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu; Kwara Central Senatorial candidate, Senator Saliu Mustapha; House of Representatives candidate for Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency, Prof. Abdulfatai Aremu; and the party’s candidates for the two State Assembly constituencies in Ilorin West, Abdulhammed Tunji and Mallam Alfanla.

Speaking at the event, Tunji thanked PDP members and residents for the massive turnout and show of support.

He assured stakeholders that a PDP government would bring fresh hands, new ideas, and purposeful leadership aimed at improving the living standards of the people.

The convener, Issa, commended PDP members across the 12 political wards for their commitment and mobilisation.

• Tinubu to inaugurate APC campaign council October 14
• Why Peter Obi won’t win a ward in Anambra — NDC chairman
• 2027: Protest, relief as INEC releases final candidates’ list

He also lauded residents for the warm reception given to the rally train, noting that the enthusiastic response in areas such as Pakata, Idigba, and Adeta demonstrated the growing popularity of the PDP in the area.

He stated that the reception was particularly significant because the rally passed through communities with strong political relevance, reflecting the party’s expanding grassroots support.

Also speaking, the PDP Kwara Central Senatorial District Chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Babatunde Owolabi, praised the party leadership for providing an alternative platform to the ruling All Progressives Congress administration.

Owolabi attributed the growing support for the PDP to widespread dissatisfaction with the performance of the APC government in the state.

He alleged that the administration had lost focus and track of the needs of the people, describing it as divisive and disconnected from the challenges confronting ordinary citizens.

Owolabi assured the electorate that a PDP government would work to restore Kwara’s reputation as a peaceful and secure state while prioritising inclusive governance and development.

He also commended the leadership of Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for the choice of PDP candidates, describing them as individuals with proven integrity, experience, and records of service.

The PDP House of Assembly candidate for Ilorin Central, Mallam Alfanla, called on residents to support all party candidates at both the state and National Assembly levels.

The rally comes amid growing political realignments and defections across Kwara State, with the PDP positioning itself as a formidable alternative to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.