The Kwara State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Isa Adamu Bawa on Monday led a political procession in Ilorin, declaring that the party has been repositioned to offer a “new direction” for the state ahead of 2027.
The ‘Otoge’ movement swept the PDP and the Saraki dynasty out of government in 2019.
While addressing the crowd, the chairman said the gathering was a declaration of renewed purpose by the opposition party, insisting that the PDP in Kwara has been strengthened and united following its national convention in Abuja.
He stated that the party is now more cohesive and better prepared to present credible candidates capable of restoring good governance to the state.
“What you are witnessing today is a declaration that Kwara State is ready for a new direction; a declaration that the people have awakened; a declaration that hope is alive again,” he said.
He maintained that the outcome of the march showed the PDP remains deeply rooted among the people of Kwara, stressing that the turnout reflected growing public frustration and a desire for change.
He further claimed the “so-called ‘Otoge’ experiment” of 2019 had failed to deliver meaningful progress, alleging that it had instead “produced backwardness in governance and accidental leaders,” worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
He noted that businesses are struggling, families are under pressure, and insecurity has become more pronounced, citing repeated attacks and killings in rural areas.
The PDP chairman also raised concerns over the alleged neglect of rural communities, accusing the government of focusing development efforts mainly on urban centers.
He questioned whether governance in the state was intended only for a section of society, asking if farmers, traders, and rural dwellers were not also entitled to equal attention and protection.
On youth development, the Chairman alleged that instead of empowerment, many young people have been subjected to hardship and, in some cases, persecution for expressing dissenting views. He urged the youth to remain vocal and engaged, assuring them that the PDP would protect their rights if voted into power.
He also called on politicians and citizens across party lines—including those in the APC, ADC, Accord, and others—to return to the PDP and join what he described as a collective effort to rebuild the state.
He appealed for unity, saying Kwara needs a government that prioritizes security, healthcare, economic revival, and youth empowerment over political division.