Senator Mustapha Explains Defection from APC to PDP in Kwara, Cites Lack of Consultation

Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, has detailed his reasons for switching allegiance from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Mustapha clarified that his defection does not signify a rejection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, emphasizing his continued support for the president.

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I have not dumped President Tinubu. Like the Honourable Minister of FCT said, this Rainbow Coalition has extended to Kwara too.

Mustapha, who recently secured the PDP candidacy for Kwara Central through a substitution process, stated that his departure from the APC stemmed from a perceived lack of consultation, insufficient internal democracy, and a diminished sense of belonging under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. He described the APC's management in the state as alienating for stakeholders.

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We have all felt alienated from the way and manner Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is running the APC in Kwara.

Speaking on Channels Television, Mustapha explained that his decision was a collective one, representing a coalition of groups including Otoge Progressives, G15, and the Elder Caucus. He asserted that these groups felt marginalized by the current APC leadership in Kwara. Mustapha also criticized the APC's primary process in the state, calling it a "sham" due to alleged flaws and a lack of transparency in result announcements.

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If there had been proper management and proper sense of belonging or consultation, we wouldn’t have gotten to this level.

He reiterated that his move was not driven by personal disappointment regarding the APC ticket but was a strategic coalition agreement with the PDP. Mustapha expressed confidence that this coalition would be successful in the upcoming elections, aiming to "reset the political mood in Kwara" by fostering greater consultation and inclusivity.

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You announced that the primaries will start after the Jumu’ah prayers, and the results were announced by 4pm. How fast can they bring the results? When would the agents have arrived for them to do the coalition? It was a sham.