Kwara senator picks PDP ticket hours after quitting APC

Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian National Assembly, has officially switched allegiance from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His defection comes amid ongoing tensions within the APC in Kwara State, which he attributes to a lack of consultation, internal democracy, and a sense of belonging under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. Mustapha, who recently secured the PDP ticket for the 2027 senatorial election, emphasized that his decision was not a rejection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he continues to support. Mustapha resigned from the APC on Thursday, citing dissatisfaction with how the party was being managed in the state. In a statement released through his verified social media accounts, he outlined his reasons for leaving, which included the erosion of trust in the APC leadership due to perceived failures in upholding the party's foundational values of unity and transparency. He noted that the APC’s handling of the governorship primary and the selection of National Assembly candidates had led to widespread discontent among stakeholders. Mustapha, along with other aggrieved members of the APC, formed the G15 coalition, which criticized the party’s internal processes and called for intervention from national leaders. The senator’s decision to join the PDP was reportedly the result of extensive discussions with his supporters, constituents, and political allies across the state. According to Mustapha, the move was not driven by personal grievances but rather by a collective effort to address systemic issues within the APC. He stated that the G15 coalition, which includes figures such as Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru and Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, had reached an agreement with the PDP to serve as their platform for the upcoming elections. This alliance, Mustapha claimed, was aimed at restoring inclusivity and democratic practices in Kwara’s political landscape. Mustapha’s defection follows a series of controversies within the APC, including the loss of the governorship ticket to Yakubu Danladi-Salihu despite his initial candidacy. The APC also nominated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as its senatorial candidate for the central district, a position Mustapha now contests. The senator accused the APC leadership of failing to engage stakeholders properly before the recent primaries, calling the process “flawed” and even “a sham.” He highlighted the speed with which results were announced, questioning the legitimacy of the proceedings and the involvement of agents tasked with conducting the vote. Despite his departure from the APC, Mustapha reaffirmed his continued support for President Tinubu and his vision for the country’s future. He stressed that his alignment with the PDP does not represent a break with the broader political goals of the APC, but rather a strategic shift to ensure better representation and governance in Kwara. Mustapha also expressed confidence that the coalition he represents, comprising the Otoge Progressives, the G15, and the Elder Caucus, would succeed in defeating the APC’s candidate, Governor AbdulRazaq, in the 2027 election. Looking ahead, Mustapha aims to reset the political climate in Kwara by promoting greater consultation and inclusiveness in local politics. He believes that the current state of affairs has created a vacuum of trust, and his move to the PDP is intended to bridge that gap. As the 2027 elections approach, the political dynamics in Kwara continue to evolve, with Mustapha’s defection marking a significant shift in the state’s political narrative.