"When things fall apart, the centre no longer holds." Such is the perfect illustration of events in the last few weeks. As independent as events may have surfaced, it surely have dependent influence on the historical balance in Kwara politics.

The defection of Alh. Abubakar Kawu Baraje led nPDP members into the opposition APC is no longer news though it was received in certain quarters as a shock. Political psychologists have proposed the birth of such a marriage but it wasn't postulated to be that soon!

About six (6) months before the defection, there were obvious tensions in the state PDP which was perceived to be born out of some interests. These tension was said to result from unsettled differences between Senator Bukola Saraki and Prof. Oba Abdulraheem. This saw the two giants dividing party members along their respective interests. But as faith would have it, Senator Bukola Saraki's defection to the APC left Prof. Oba Abdulraheem the 'leader' of the left-over PDP; a status which is doubtful due to the presence of other big wigs such as Senator Gbemisola Saraki, Alh. Bio Ibrahim (Former Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly), Senator Suleiman Makanjuola Ajadi, Senator Simeon Ajibola, Mr. Dele Belgore, Lawyer Kunle Sulyman, Hon. Ladi Edun among others. There is therefore a popular belief that these stakeholders may want to slug it out with themselves but statistics favours Senator Gbemisola Saraki who is believed to understand the workings of politics than some others.

The Senator Gbemisola Saraki may also face a repeat of 2011 hostility to a female leadership especially within the Emirate & Kwara Central Senatorial district. Though, she has also lost her support base internally. However, between the PDP & the APC, it is yet to be known who'll play the opposition role in the forthcoming election as the structure of governance remains at present with Senator Bukola Saraki having inherited it from his late politician father, Dr. Olusola Saraki.

As a way of strengthening the PDP in the state, the Federal Government appointed Alh. Bio Ibrahim as the Chairman Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, just last week Thursday, 5th December, the senate confirms the re-appointment of Prof. Oba Abdulraheem as the Chairman Federal Character Commission on a second term of 5 years. Also, Senator Gbemisola Saraki is allegedly being considered for a ministerial appointment. All these are seen to be critical in the efforts of building a formidable PDP that can ruffle feathers with the APC in the state.

What analysts consider that may be a problem for the PDP is the presence of too many interest in it. Virtually all the big wigs have ambition & have signified interest in governing Kwara State. How well they are able to manage this remains to be seen. But with the Federal might, they can go head-on with the APC.

However, no matter where the pendulum swings, Kwarans must be placed at the centre of each party's activities. They must be mindful of the fact that Kwarans deserve good governance.

By M.S Hassan writes from Ilorin. He can be reached on twitter @emveepee1.