Nigerian Senator Dumps APC, Set to Join PDP

Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress amid growing internal disagreements within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mustapha, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, announced his resignation after weeks of consultations with his supporters, constituents, political associates and other stakeholders in Kwara State.

In his resignation notice, the senator said his decision followed his assessment of the direction of the APC and its ability to meet the expectations of the people he represents.

He explained that his decision was based on the need to remain committed to his political principles and the interests of his constituents, adding that leaving the APC would not affect his commitment to serving the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria.

Mustapha also expressed appreciation to the leadership of the APC, including President Bola Tinubu, for the political relationships and experiences he gained while in the party.

The senator’s resignation comes after a period of political tension within the Kwara APC, particularly following the party’s recent primary elections and the struggle for its 2027 tickets.

Mustapha had sought the APC governorship ticket for the 2027 election but lost the contest to the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Salihu-Yakubu Danladi. He also failed to secure the party’s return ticket for the Kwara Central Senate seat after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq emerged as the APC candidate for the district.

The developments reportedly increased tensions between Mustapha and the APC leadership in the state, with concerns also raised by other members over the conduct and outcome of the party’s primaries.

A reconciliation committee was subsequently established by the APC to address complaints from aggrieved members and prevent the disagreements from affecting the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections. However, the effort has yet to resolve all the disputes, as some of the affected members reportedly stayed away from the reconciliation process.

Following his resignation, there are indications that Mustapha may join the Peoples Democratic Party and seek its ticket to contest the Kwara Central senatorial election in 2027.

If he secures the PDP ticket, he could face AbdulRazaq, who is expected to contest the same senatorial seat under the APC. Such a contest could produce a major political battle in Kwara Central, given Mustapha’s experience in the National Assembly and his support base in the district.

Mustapha’s departure also adds to the list of APC members in Kwara who are reconsidering their political future ahead of the next general election.

Another APC chieftain from Patigi Local Government Area, Kolo Jiya, has also reportedly left the ruling party and moved to the PDP. He is believed to be considering the PDP ticket for the Kwara North Senatorial District in the 2027 election.

The growing movement of politicians away from the APC follows disagreements over the distribution of party tickets and the outcome of the recent primaries across the state.

Earlier, several APC governorship aspirants had rejected the emergence of Salihu Danladi as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election. The aspirants had raised concerns over what they described as an unfair process and alleged attempts to favour a particular candidate.

The latest development involving Mustapha could therefore deepen the challenges facing the APC as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

His possible move to the PDP could also affect the political balance in Kwara Central, particularly if he eventually secures the opposition party’s ticket and contests against AbdulRazaq.