Kwara Senator quits APC over deepening crisis in ruling party

Saliu Mustapha, a member of the National Assembly and an incumbent senator for the Kwara Central Senatorial District, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mustapha issued his resignation through a letter to the party on Thursday, adding that his reason for resigning is due to recent happenings involving the controversial primary elections of the party in Kwara State.

According to Mustapha, his move came as a result of consultations he had held with several political stakeholders, supporters, Kwara Central constituents, and other well-meaning residents of Kwara State.

This follows the rejection by 10 aspirants for the APC gubernatorial primary in Kwara State of what they termed as the imposition of Salihu Yahaya Danladi, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, as their candidate in the 2027 elections.

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.