The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State has held a mega rally across major communities to mobilise support for the party and its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rally, organised on Saturday, was convened by the PDP chairman in the local government area, Mallam Abdulkadir Issa, and his executive committee as part of efforts to sensitise voters, strengthen grassroots mobilisation and appreciate residents for their continued support.
The procession commenced at Omoda Roundabout and proceeded through Odeadana, Alore, Oloje, Itamerin, Pakata, Idigba, Gaa Aremu and Adeta before moving through Agbo-Oba, Surulere, Adabata and Agaka.
It eventually terminated at Oja Oba, near the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, after covering several communities across the local government area.
The organisers said the crowd grew as the procession moved through the communities, with residents joining along the route. Participants maintained the rally’s momentum until its conclusion despite the distance covered.
PDP members from the 12 political wards in Ilorin West took part in the exercise alongside community leaders, traders, transport operators, youths, women and other residents.
The rally was also used to canvass support for the party’s candidates, including its governorship candidate, Engr Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu; Kwara Central Senatorial candidate, Senator Saliu Mustapha; and House of Representatives candidate for Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency, Prof Abdulfatai Aremu.
The party also mobilised support for its candidates for the two State House of Assembly constituencies in Ilorin West, Abdulhammed Tunji and Mallam Alfanla.
Speaking at the event, Tunji thanked party members and residents for the turnout, describing it as a demonstration of support for the PDP.
He said a PDP administration would bring fresh ideas, purposeful leadership and new approaches aimed at improving the living standards of residents.
The rally’s convener, Issa, commended party members across the 12 political wards for their commitment and mobilisation efforts.
He also praised residents for the reception given to the procession, saying the enthusiastic response in communities such as Pakata, Idigba and Adeta reflected growing support for the party.
Issa said the reception was particularly significant because the rally passed through communities he described as politically important to the party’s grassroots mobilisation efforts.
Also speaking, the PDP chairman for Kwara Central Senatorial District, Alhaji Isiaka Babatunde Owolabi, commended the party’s leadership for providing an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Owolabi attributed the PDP’s growing support to what he described as dissatisfaction with the APC administration’s performance.
He accused the state government of losing focus and becoming disconnected from the needs of ordinary residents, describing its approach as divisive.
He said a PDP administration would seek to restore Kwara State’s reputation as a peaceful and secure state while prioritising inclusive governance and development.
Owolabi also praised the political leadership of Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki for the selection of the party’s candidates, describing them as individuals with integrity, experience and records of public service.
The PDP House of Assembly candidate for Ilorin Central, Mallam Alfanla, urged residents to support all the party’s candidates at both state and national levels.
The rally comes amid political realignments and defections across Kwara State, with the PDP seeking to strengthen its grassroots support and position itself as an alternative to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
