Sitting Kwara senator dumps APC, cites crisis rocking ruling party

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

Mustapha announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the party on Thursday, citing recent developments surrounding the party’s controversial governorship primary in Kwara State.

The senator said his decision followed weeks of consultations with political stakeholders, supporters, constituents in Kwara Central and other well-meaning residents of the state.

The development comes after 10 APC governorship aspirants reportedly rejected what they described as the alleged imposition of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Salihu Yahaya Danladi, as the preferred candidate of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the 2027 election.

Explaining his decision, Mustapha said he had carefully considered the developments before deciding to leave the APC.

“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.

The lawmaker said his political philosophy had always been centred on people, principles and purpose, adding that he could no longer remain on a platform he believed was not sufficiently aligned with those values.

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

Mustapha also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the APC for the relationships and experiences he gained during his time 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.

He assured his supporters and constituents that his decision to change political platforms would not affect his commitment to serving 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,” Mustapha added.

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

There are, however, unconfirmed reports that Mustapha may defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and secure its Kwara Central senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 election.

If confirmed, the development could set up a major political contest in Kwara Central ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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