The People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State suffered a significant blow on Monday after Dare Bankole, the party's candidate for the Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero/Ekiti Federal Constituency in the 2019 and 2023 general elections, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Senior APC leaders, party members, and supporters welcomed Bankole with cheers and celebrations marking his defection. The event, held with considerable fanfare, drew prominent political figures, stakeholders, and loyalists. Notable attendees included:

Chief Ebun Afolayan, former PDP Chairman for Kwara South Senatorial District;
Chief Fatai Adeyemi Tiamiyu (Alh.), Asiwaju of Ayedun and former Auditor-General of Kwara State;
Hon. Sanni Ganiyat Omolara, Vice Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area;
Hon. Bose Bankole, former Vice Chairman of the TIC, Oke-Ero Local Government Area;
Adeleke Oluwafunmilayo, former Vice Chairman of the TIC, Oke-Ero Local Government Area.

While addressing the crowd, Bankole said he was proud to join the APC.

He described the party as one committed to progress, transparency, and the development of the country.

He also praised the leadership style of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, describing him as a leader who has transformed Kwara with visible and people-centered projects.

"I have watched the governor's strides in education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment. I want to be part of that success story," he said.

His defection adds to the growing list of high-profile PDP members who have jumped ship recently. They include Bolaji Abdullahi, Hassan Oyeleke, and Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola, the party's 2023 Deputy Governorship candidate.

Some of them cited internal crises and lack of meritocracy amongst others as reasons for their exits.

The House Committee Chairman of the North Central Development Commission, from Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency, Rep. Tunji AbdulRaheem Olawuyi (Ajuloopin), who was present at the occasion, noted that Dare Bankole's decision to join the APC is a clear sign that the party is the preferred choice for those who truly care about development and good governance.

Also, the APC Chairman in Oke-Ero Local Government Area, Hon. Bamidele Kayode alias Ojopagogo, while receiving Bankole, asserted that the PDP structure in Ayedun has completely collapsed with Bankole's defection.

"This has further boosted our party's growing strength across Kwara South. His exit is another sign that APC is the strongest party in Kwara, while the PDP is struggling to stay relevant ahead of the next general elections," said Kayode.