Kwara: KRM & SDP Emerging Political Force?

BY ABDULKARIM ABDULFATAI

Over the past few days, Kwara State’s political space has been abuzz with conversations sparked by interviews featuring Chief Iyiola Oyedepo where he claimed there is growing discontent within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

But behind this rhetoric lies a simple truth: this man and his so-called faction are not APC members. They are members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), camouflaging as APC stakeholders to push their agenda for the 2027 elections.

This isn’t about dissatisfaction or governance. It’s a calculated attempt to mislead Kwarans and disrupt the progress made under Governor AbdulRazaq.

The Mask Slips

Chief Oyedepo painted a picture of internal cracks within the party, presenting himself as a political elder speaking hard truths. Nothing can be farther from the truth.

Like how Rafiu Ajakaye defines him; “Firebrand politician, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo is known for what he does. He is a man whose credibility is best defined by the roles he played in the last hours of the 2023 election; where as an SDP member he abandoned his SDP compatriots mid sea to cut deals with different political interests. This is another scheme to milk what he can get out of the situation.

Akogun campaigned for SDP and its candidates with the brand new SUV vehicle allocated to him as the chairman of a federal institution. An appointment he got from the APC government. Akogun has refused to return the vehicle to the Federal college of Education. That is the kind of man he is.

Before the 2023 election, he spared no pejorative to describe the government of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, including manufacturing revenue data (intentionally so) to manipulate the public. He would later eat his words when he praised the same governor for being such a large-hearted statesman who earned his second term on the back of excellent performance and the temperament to manage the tantrums of his ilks.”

But here’s the reality: this isn’t the APC. These are SDP operatives trying to destabilize the ruling party while plotting their next move. Their interviews were less about analysis and more about laying the groundwork for their plan to push a Northern candidate—most likely Manko—for the 2027 gubernatorial elections under the SDP/KRM banner.

A Dead-on-Arrival Strategy

This isn’t the first time these individuals have tried to hoodwink Kwarans. Their track record speaks for itself. During the 2023 elections, they couldn’t even secure victories in their own wards. The people rejected them because they represent everything Kwara has moved beyond: self-interest, failed governance, and empty promises.

Now, unable to compete with the APC’s success under Governor AbdulRazaq, they’ve resorted to deceit. Their strategy of disguising as APC members while covertly promoting an SDP agenda is both dishonest and doomed. Kwara knows better.

Who Are These People?

Let’s name those behind this charade:

Chief lyiola Oyedepo

Alhaji Taju Makama Lafiagi

Alhaji Lukman Mustapha,

Mr. Kale Belgore

Alh. Saheed Popoola

Mallam Manko

Otunba Ganiyu Zubair

Amb. Niyi Abioye

Prof. Wale Sulieman

These individuals, along with their allies, are banking on political theatrics to regain relevance. But Kwarans are no fools.

The APC’s Record vs. SDP’s Deception

Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership has transformed Kwara State. From infrastructure development to youth empowerment, healthcare reforms, and educational progress, his administration has delivered on its promises. This is why the APC won convincingly across the state in 2023.

In contrast, the SDP operatives couldn’t even secure their own communities. They are out of touch with the people they claim to represent. Their plot to destabilize the APC and field a Northern candidate is not just deceitful but insulting to the intelligence of Kwarans who have witnessed firsthand the impact of good governance.

This is not the time for political distractions. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the APC have a clear mandate to lead Kwara to greater heights. The antics of SDP masqueraders will not derail the progress being made.

Kwarans should remain vigilant and reject these political saboteurs. Let’s call them what they are: failed politicians trying to revive their careers through deceit and division.

Governor AbdulRazaq has set Kwara on a path of progress. The people know this, and no amount of propaganda will change the truth. The SDP can hide behind the APC all they want, but the mask has fallen, and their plans are as dead as their political credibility.

Kwara deserves focus, unity, and progress—not distractions from those who couldn’t even win their own wards.