Kwara Senator Saliu Mustapha dumps APC, set to join PDP
Senator Saliu Mustapha Resigns from APC Amid Internal Strife
By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin
Senator Saliu Mustapha, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and representative of Kwara Central Senatorial District, has officially resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after grappling with ongoing conflicts within the party.
In his resignation notice, which was obtained by Vanguard, Mustapha indicated that the decision followed weeks of consultations with stakeholders, supporters, and constituents across his district.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly,” Mustapha stated. “As a politician, I believe that politics must be about people, principles, and purpose. When a political platform no longer aligns with these convictions or the aspirations of the people one represents, it is honorable to chart a new course.”
He expressed gratitude to APC leadership, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the relationships and experiences gained during his tenure. Mustapha reassured his constituents and supporters that despite the change in political platforms, his commitment to public service remains steadfast.
Mustapha’s departure comes on the heels of a contentious party primary election in which he sought the APC gubernatorial ticket but lost to Speaker Salihu-Yakubu Danladi. Additionally, he was unsuccessful in securing his return ticket against current Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who will represent the APC in the upcoming elections.
Sources indicate that Mustapha may join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and consider running for the Kwara Central Senatorial District seat in the 2027 elections, potentially facing off against the APC’s AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The senator’s resignation appears linked to alleged irregularities in the APC primary elections in the state. Despite the establishment of a reconciliation committee meant to address internal disputes, it failed to yield positive outcomes, with some disgruntled members opting to defect to other parties instead of engaging in reconciliation efforts.
Additionally, Hon. Kolo Jiya, an APC chieftain from Patigi Local Government, has reportedly resigned from the APC to join the PDP and is expected to pursue the Kwara North Senatorial District ticket for the 2027 elections as well.
In a related context, ten governorship aspirants previously voiced their objections to what they labeled as the imposition of Speaker Salihu Danladi as the preferred gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 elections by Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq.
