Former Kwara PDP Chairman, Babatunde Mohammed, Defects to ADC After 23 Years of Party Loyalty

The immediate past Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Hon. Babatunde Mohammed, has formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). His decision, conveyed in a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Agunjin Ward, Ifelodun Local Government Area, was made public on Saturday evening.

The defection of the former state chairman is viewed as another blow to the PDP in Kwara, which has witnessed a steady exodus of members to other political parties in recent years. Political observers believe Mohammed’s move could further weaken the opposition party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Babatunde Mohammed, who once served as Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly between 2009 and 2011 under the PDP, stated that his decision to leave the party was a personal one. However, he expressed disappointment in the current state of the PDP, noting that he no longer saw hope in the platform he had served for over two decades.

Babatunde Mohammed: “I Remained in PDP When Others Left”

In his letter, Hon.Babatunde Mohammed reflected on his long-standing loyalty to the PDP, emphasizing that he remained committed even when many senior figures in the state defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). “Even though the reasons I dumped the PDP were personal, I have been in the PDP for the past 22 years. When PDP leaders in the state left for APC, I remained in PDP. I didn’t leave like others did,” he stated.

He further added that his decision to join the ADC marks a new chapter in his political career. “As I speak to you, I’m now in ADC. I have joined ADC. Like I said earlier, the reasons why I dumped the PDP remain personal. There is no hope in the PDP again. But you can rest assured that I have left for the ADC, which is now my party,” Mohammed affirmed.

Despite parting ways with the PDP, he expressed gratitude to the leadership, stakeholders, and members of the party for their cooperation during his tenure as State Chairman. “I sincerely thank the leadership of the party, the stakeholders and members for their support and co-operation, most especially when I served as the State Chairman of the party,” he noted.

Political Implications and Reactions

Babatunde Mohammed’s exit adds to the list of recent high-profile defections that have reshaped the political landscape in Kwara State. His move to the ADC is expected to influence the balance of power ahead of the 2027 elections, as both the ruling APC and the PDP continue to battle for relevance among grassroots supporters.

Before his defection, Babatunde Mohammed had spoken confidently about the PDP’s chances of reclaiming power in Kwara despite a wave of defections. In a recent interview with Vanguard, he maintained that the ongoing political realignments across the country would ultimately benefit the PDP. However, his departure suggests a possible shift in perspective and raises questions about the internal cohesion of the opposition in Kwara.

Political analysts suggest that the ADC could emerge as a viable third force if Mohammed leverages his influence and experience to attract new members dissatisfied with both major parties. Whether this defection will mark the beginning of a broader political realignment remains to be seen.

Hon. Babatunde Mohammed’s defection after over two decades of loyalty to the PDP underscores the fluid nature of Nigeria’s political landscape, where personal conviction and strategic repositioning often drive political decisions. As Kwara prepares for another electoral cycle, his move to the ADC could redefine alliances and intensify competition among the state’s key political players.