Kwara Senator Saliu Mustapha picks PDP ticket hours after dumping APC

Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, has officially joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), securing the party's senatorial ticket for the district just hours after announcing his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The handover of the PDP ticket to Mustapha by the Kwara State Chairman, Issa Bawa, was confirmed in a video. This political maneuver comes shortly after Mustapha's departure from the APC, which he cited as a result of recent internal party dynamics in Kwara State. In a letter detailing his decision, Mustapha stated that his move was guided by consultations with stakeholders and a belief that politics should prioritize people's interests, principles, and purpose.

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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.

Mustapha expressed gratitude to the APC leadership, including President Bola Tinubu, for the experiences gained during his time with the party. He reassured his constituents and supporters that his core principles and commitment to service would not waver, despite changing his political platform. He emphasized that when a political party's direction no longer aligns with his convictions and the aspirations of his constituents, charting a new course is the honorable path.

Speculation about Mustapha's defection had been circulating, particularly after he reportedly considered his options following a defeat in the APC's governorship primary, his failure to secure the APC's Kwara Central senatorial ticket, and growing internal party disagreements. Sources had indicated that the PDP's Kwara Central senatorial ticket was being reserved for him, a possibility seemingly supported by the then-candidate, Yinka Otukoko, who suggested willingness to relinquish the 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, my purpose and my commitment to the people remain unchanged.