THE present critical role of the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Kwara politics if sustained, could be the determining factor ahead of 2015. Unlike in the past, when opposition groups often disappeared into thin air after elections, members of ACN in Kwara have resolved to remain steadfast.

According to the flag bearer of the party, Dele Belgore (SAN) at a recent chat with reporters in Ilorin, he would not be discouraged with successive decisions of the Election petition tribunals that gave judgment against him and his party, while challenging the victory of Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed at the polls.

Rather, Belgore said he would remain the torch bearer of the party at all times and serve as a rallying point for those against the programmes of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). Belgore noted that the programmes of the ACN, if allowed would take its socio-political and economic status to the next level.

However, while there could be some measure of optimism in the camp of the opposition, the prevailing peace within the PDP and the number of perceived members of the opposition joining the ruling party could further reduce that optimism.

The peaceful conduct of all the PDP congresses, in which consensus arrangements, rather than elections were the order of the day has revealed the measure of discipline within the party. The development may have afforded the incumbent a full concentration on the art of governance.

The other determining factor of the trend of politicking in the state remains the sustainability of the romance between Saraki on one side and Ahmed on the other side. Overzealous followers of the two men could spoil matters for the party in 2015, especially if they fail to emulate the existing cordiality between the two leaders.

The Secretary of the PDP in Kwara, Yemi Afolayan told The Guardian in Ilorin of the alleged daily increment in the population of the party.   Afolayan said the party has put in motion an enabling environment for more members of the opposition to join before next rounds of elections.

"We envisage a landslide victory in Kwara in the 2015 polls, in fact, saying this out is like repeating the obvious. Today, we are getting stronger by the day. The Action Congress Party of Nigeria, (ACPN), the Democratic People's Party, (DPP) and about 70 per cent of the ACN members in Kwara are now with us under the umbrella of our great party. The mistake that led to the emergence of two members of the ACN out of 24 members of the state's House of Assembly had since been corrected. Come the year 2015, we are going to sweep all," Afolayan said.

For the state's chairman of the ACN, Kayode Olawepo, "I believe that my friend (Afolayan) is not playing God by the way he had spoken? Besides, let him tell the whole world the source of his statistics on the ACN members said to be in the camp of the PDP in Kwara.  Rather than losing members as alleged, we are gaining members on a daily basis and this will surely continue until we get to the power. What has the PDP done as a party that would have endeared it to our members?"

Whatever happens, eligible voters rather than wishful thinking of the politicians would determine the party that will control Kwara in the year 2015.