…Cites recent developments in Kwara chapter, says political platform may change but principles remain
The Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kwara State.
Mustapha announced his resignation after weeks of consultations with stakeholders, supporters, constituents and other residents of the state, saying recent developments within the party had informed his decision. The resignation was confirmed in reports published on Friday.
The lawmaker, who holds the traditional title of Turaki of Ilorin Emirate, said the decision was not taken lightly, explaining that he had extensively consulted before deciding to leave the ruling party.
In his resignation statement, Mustapha said: “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.”
The senator said his decision was guided by his belief that politics should be founded on people, principles and purpose.
He added: “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.”
Mustapha expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC for the relationships and experiences he enjoyed during his membership of the party.
The senator said: “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.”
He, however, assured his constituents and supporters that his commitment to public service would remain unchanged despite his exit from the APC.
“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,” Mustapha said.
“I remain steadfast in my service to the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria at large.”
Mustapha’s resignation comes against the backdrop of an internal crisis in the Kwara APC following the party’s 2027 primary elections. In June, the three serving senators from Kwara State had jointly called for a review of the primaries and the establishment of a reconciliation committee, citing concerns over party cohesion and the exclusion of stakeholders from key decisions.
The lawmaker had also contested for the APC governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 election but was unsuccessful. He had earlier dismissed reports that he participated in the APC primary for the Kwara Central senatorial ticket, maintaining that he obtained only forms for the governorship contest.
In recent days, reports had linked Mustapha with a possible move to the Peoples Democratic Party, with discussions reportedly held around his political future following his disagreements with the APC leadership in Kwara. However, his resignation statement did not disclose the political party he intends to join.
Mustapha currently represents Kwara Central in the 10th National Assembly and has served as senator since 2023.
His exit from the APC is expected to further reshape political calculations in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
