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Kwara APC loses 12 ward executives after senator’s exit

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Twelve executive members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State have resigned following Senator Saliu Mustapha's exit from the party.
  • The defectors include the ward chairman and secretary, who are joining Mustapha in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
  • Their resignations come ahead of the 2027 general elections, signaling potential shifts in political alliances.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has experienced a significant blow with the resignation of 12 ward executive members in Gambari Ward 1, Ilorin East Local Government Area. This exodus follows the departure of Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central, from the APC.

We, the concerned executive members of Gambari Ward 1 hereby formally resign from our posts as well as membership of the All Progressives Congress.

— Ward Executive MembersThe joint resignation letter from ten executive members.

The defecting officials, including the ward chairman, Aliyu Abdulhakeem, and secretary, Abdulwaheed Adanla, formally announced their resignations and withdrawal from the APC on Friday. Their decision was communicated to the APC Chairman in Ilorin East Local Government Area. Within hours of Mustapha's defection, these 12 officials submitted their resignations, signaling a coordinated move.

The decision was reached after careful consideration for the best interest of our beloved ward.

— Ward Executive MembersThe reason provided by the ten resigning executive members.

Ten other executive members also submitted a joint resignation letter, stating their decision was made "after careful consideration for the best interest of our beloved ward." They expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunity to serve. The departing officials include the Treasurer, Auditor-General, Legal Adviser, and several assistant roles.

After careful consideration and due reflection, I have decided to step down from my membership of the party and my position as Ward Chairman for personal reasons best known to me.

— Aliyu AbdulhakeemAbdulhakeem explains his resignation as ward chairman.

These former APC executives have declared their intention to join Senator Mustapha in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). They aim to align with what they describe as an emerging "rainbow coalition" in preparation for the 2027 general elections. Both Abdulhakeem and Adanla cited personal reasons for their departure in their respective resignation letters, while also thanking party members and stakeholders for their support during their tenure.

During my tenure, I did my best to uphold the constitution of the party and to advance the interests of APC in Gambari Ward 1.

— Abdulwaheed AdanlaAdanla reflects on his service as ward secretary.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.