POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE: MURAINA, SOLIU LAWAL DUMP APC FOR PDP AHEAD OF 2027 POLLS

The political landscape of Ibarapa Central and North Federal and State Constituency has been shaken as two prominent APC chieftains, Hon. Dr. Muraina Ajibola Esq. and Hon. Soliu Lawal Adelodun, have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pursue their 2027 ambitions.

Sources within the PDP confirmed to Asako News that both leaders formally moved to the opposition party after losing out in the APC ticket race.

Hon. Dr. Muraina Ajibola, a 3-term former House of Representatives member, lost the APC ticket to Hon. Sarafa Olaoniye (Bibire). Similarly, Hon. Soliu Lawal Adelodun, who flew the APC flag for Ibarapa Central/North State Constituency in 2023, lost to former State Assembly member, Hon. Salaudeen Tajudeen Amoo.

An insider who spoke to Asako News on condition of anonymity revealed that Muraina’s defection would have been avoided if Olaoniye had conceded the State House of Assembly ticket to Soliu Lawal Adelodun described as a younger aspirant yet to hold political office instead of Hon. Salaudeen Tajudeen Amoo, a 2-term LG Chairman and former lawmaker.

“The support of Hon. Muraina Ajibola would have given Hon. Sarafa Olaoniye a hitch-free victory, especially in Block 2 where Muraina hails from. But the internal arrangement forced their hands,” the source said.

In an official statement released after his move, the 2027 PDP House of Assembly Aspirant, Bashorun Soliu Lawal Adelodun, appealed to his supporters to join him in the PDP.

He said:
” My dear supporters, friends, and the good people of Ibarapa Central/North State Constituency,
I sincerely appreciate your unwavering support, loyalty, and commitment over the years. Your dedication has remained the driving force behind our shared vision for the progress and development of our constituency.

” Today, I humbly call on every one of you to join hands with us in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as we work together to build a stronger, more united, and more prosperous Ibarapa Central/North State Constituency.

” This is a time to put the interests of our people above personal differences. Let us unite under one platform that is committed to delivering quality representation, sustainable development, youth empowerment, improved education, better healthcare, and economic opportunities for all.

“I encourage all my supporters, political associates, community leaders, women, and youths to embrace this new chapter by registering with and actively participating in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Together, our collective strength will make a positive difference in our constituency.

” Let us move forward with unity, peace, and determination. Together, we can build the future our people deserve” , he concluded.

Political analysts say the defection of Muraina and Soliu Lawal to the PDP could significantly alter the electoral equation in Ibarapa, especially with Muraina’s influence in Block 2 and Soliu’s strong grassroots base among youths.

Both aspirants are now expected to slug it out for the PDP tickets for Federal and State Constituencies ahead of the 2027 general elections.