From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), after 13 years in the party, citing a growing disconnect between the party’s direction in Kwara State and his political convictions.
Mustapha, a founding member and prominent APC chieftain in Kwara State, announced his resignation in a statement issued on Thursday evening through his verified social media platforms.
The senator, in the statement titled “Notice of Resignation as a Member of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” said he arrived at the decision after weeks of consultations with political stakeholders, supporters, constituents and other well-meaning Kwarans.
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“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,” Mustapha said.
He explained that his decision was rooted in his longstanding belief that politics should be driven by the interests of the people, strong principles and a clear sense of purpose.
According to him, remaining on a political platform that no longer adequately reflects those values would amount to a departure from the convictions he has upheld in public service.
“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,” he stated.
Mustapha, however, expressed appreciation to the APC leadership, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the relationships, experiences and opportunities he encountered during his years in the party.
He assured his constituents, supporters, political associates and stakeholders that his exit from the APC would not diminish his commitment to public service.
“While my political platform may change, my principles, my purpose and my commitment to the people remain unchanged,” the senator declared.
Mustapha further reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria, regardless of the political platform he chooses to pursue his political future with.
His resignation comes less than a year before the 2027 general elections and is likely to reshape political calculations in Kwara State, particularly in the Kwara Central Senatorial District, where Mustapha has built a significant political following over the years.
The development is also expected to trigger fresh alignments and consultations among political actors in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
