Kwara senator picks PDP ticket hours after quitting APC

Senator Saliu Mustapha has officially joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), securing the ticket for the Kwara Central District just hours after departing the All Progressives Congress (APC). He received the PDP senatorial ticket on Friday, making him the party's candidate for the 2027 Kwara Central senatorial election.

This political shift comes amid a protracted crisis within the APC in Kwara State. Mustapha had vied for the APC governorship ticket but lost to the state's northern senatorial district nominee, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu. The APC subsequently nominated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as its candidate for the central district senatorial seat.

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I believe political leadership must be anchored on integrity, competence, accountability, and a sincere commitment to the collective interest of the people. The current leadership of the party in Kwara State has fallen short of these standards, and this has eroded my confidence.

Mustapha announced his resignation from the APC on Thursday, citing "recent developments" and the party's leadership in Kwara as reasons for his departure. In his resignation letter, he stated that the party's leadership had strayed from its founding principles of unity and internal democracy, eroding his confidence. He assured constituents that his commitment to Kwara Central and the state remains unchanged despite the change in political platform.

The senator's departure follows months of disagreements with other aggrieved APC stakeholders and the state party leadership. PREMIUM TIMES had previously reported growing tensions within the Kwara APC after its governorship primary and subsequent controversies surrounding National Assembly candidates. Mustapha was a prominent aspirant for the governorship ticket.

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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, purpose, and commitment to the people remain unchanged.