Hours after he announced his resignation from the APC, Senator Saliu Mustapha has emerged as the PDP senatorial candidate for Kwara Central PDP.
Mustapha was a key member of the Kwara APC G15, a faction of the APC comprising 10 governorship aspirants, three serving APC senators, some APC House of Representatives members and other influential APC leaders who are displeased with Governor Abdulrazaq’s handling of the Kwara APC governorship primary, which produced Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu as the APC governorship candidate.
The faction is now in alliance with former Senate President Bukola Saraki following successful discussions to secure their support for Kwara PDP ahead of the 2027 general election.
As part of the new alignment, Senator Mustapha has been given the Senate ticket, while Saraki secured their support for the PDP with special attention to the governorship seat.
Mr Yinka Otukoko, who previously held the PDP senatorial ticket, withdrew and pledged his support for Mustapha.
With his emergence as PDP candidate, Mustapha is now set to battle with Abdulrazaq, who is the APC canddate for the senatorial seat.
Mustapha’s letter of resignation from the APC reads:
Following careful considerations of the recent developments in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, I have formally resigned my membership of the party in 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.
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.
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.
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.
I remain steadfast in my service to the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria at large.
Thank you.
Senator Saliu Mustapha
Turaki of Ilorin Emirate
Senator Representing Kwara Central Senatorial District
