Kwara senator Saliu Mustapha leaves APC, may join PDP

Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has formally resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mustapha announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the party on Thursday, saying the decision followed careful consideration of recent political developments, particularly the controversy surrounding the party’s governorship primary ahead of the 2027 general election.

Mustapha cites recent developments

The senator said his decision was not taken lightly, explaining that it followed weeks of consultations with political stakeholders, supporters, constituents across Kwara Central and other well-meaning residents of the state.

“This is not a decision I have taken lightly. It follows weeks of extensive consultations and engagements with relevant stakeholders, my supporters, constituents across Kwara Central Senatorial District, and well-meaning Kwarans,” he said.

Mustapha said his decision was based on his belief that political platforms should remain connected to the interests and aspirations of the people they represent.

Senator speaks on political principles

The lawmaker said politics should be driven by people, principles and purpose, adding that political actors must be willing to chart a new course when their platforms no longer align with those convictions.

“As a politician, I have always believed that politics must be about people, principles and purpose,” Mustapha said.

“Where the path of a political platform no longer sufficiently aligns with these convictions and the aspirations of the people one represents, the honourable thing to do is to chart a new course.”

Controversy over Kwara APC primary

The senator’s resignation comes against the backdrop of the controversy that followed the APC governorship primary in Kwara State.

Several aspirants reportedly opposed the emergence of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Salihu Yahaya Danladi, as the party’s preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

Ten governorship aspirants were said to have rejected what they described as the imposition of Danladi as the anointed candidate of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Mustapha thanks Tinubu

Despite his decision to leave the APC, Mustapha expressed appreciation to the party’s national leadership and President Bola Tinubu for the relationships and experiences he gained during his years in the party.

“To the leadership of the APC, ably led by H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I express my deepest gratitude for the relationships and experiences I have been afforded over the years,” he said.

The senator did not disclose the political platform he intends to join in his resignation notice.

‘My commitment remains unchanged’

Mustapha assured his constituents and political supporters that leaving the APC would not affect his commitment to representing them.

“To my constituents, supporters, political associates and stakeholders in Kwara State and beyond, I assure you that while my political platform may change, my principles, my purpose and my commitment to the people remain unchanged,” he said.

He added, “I remain steadfast in my service to the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria at large.”

Senator’s next political move

There have been unconfirmed reports that Mustapha could join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and seek the party’s senatorial ticket for Kwara Central ahead of the 2027 election.

Such a move could position the senator for a fresh political contest against interests associated with the APC administration in the state.

However, Mustapha has not publicly confirmed the reports or announced his next political platform.

His resignation from the APC nevertheless adds a new dimension to the political realignments already taking place in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general election.