SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: FACTS DONT LIE HON. SAHEED POPOOLA DEFECTED FROM SDP TO PDP

In the wake of recent misleading narratives circulating within the public space, it has become imperative to set the record straight regarding the political affiliation and activities of Honourable Saheed Popoola.

Following the 2019 general elections, Kwara State, as constitutionally structured, comprises three senatorial districts: Kwara Central, Kwara South, and Kwara North. The outcome of that election produced a Governor from Kwara Central and a Deputy Governor from Kwara South, leaving Kwara North without any significant representation in the executive leadership of the state.

In the spirit of fairness, equity, and justice  principles upon which the All Progressives Congress (APC) firmly stands  party stakeholders across the state unanimously agreed to zone the position of Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly to Kwara North, to ensure balanced representation across the three senatorial districts.

However, Honourable Saheed Popoola, then a returning member of the House, insisted that he must occupy the Speakership position solely on the basis of being the only re-elected legislator. This insistence ran contrary to the party’s position and the broader principle of equity, prompting the leadership of the APC to stand firmly against such an act of political self-interest.

Following this disagreement, Hon. Saheed Popoola openly aligned himself against the APC-led government and its leadership. His conduct in the House of Assembly thereafter became evidently antagonistic. Subsequently, on the floor of the House, Hon. Popoola publicly announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a move which led to his suspension from legislative activities.

During the 2023 general elections, Hon. Popoola contested for the House of Representatives seat under the platform of the SDP. He, however, came a distant third in that election. Afterwards, attempts were made by him to re-associate with the APC through unofficial means. The leadership of his ward and other party stakeholders made it clear that for him to be readmitted into the APC, he must publicly apologize to the party leaders he had previously insulted and disparaged through various media platforms. Unfortunately, Hon. Popoola never fulfilled that condition nor demonstrated genuine remorse for his actions.

Furthermore, during the 2024 Local Government elections, Hon. Popoola was visibly and actively involved in the campaign of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Offa. He even went as far as openly canvassing support on air for the PDP a public act that further reaffirmed his departure from the APC and his continued alignment with the opposition.

Given these incontrovertible facts, it is misleading, false, and mischievous for anyone to claim that Hon. Saheed Popoola remains a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The reality remains that he defected from the APC to the SDP in 2022 and later aligned himself with the PDP. At no time did he return officially to the APC through any recognized or legitimate process.

For the avoidance of doubt, Hon. Saheed Popoola is not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His political activities in recent years have been entirely outside the APC fold, and the public is hereby advised to disregard any false narrative suggesting otherwise.

The APC remains committed to upholding its core values of justice, equity, and inclusiveness in all its affairs. The party will continue to stand firm against opportunism and political mischief that seek to undermine its unity and integrity.