From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The political landscape in Kwara State, has taken a dramatic turn following the defection of Senator Saliu Mustapha, from the All Progressives Congress (APC), to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), barely a day after he resigned from the ruling party.
Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, on Friday formally joined the PDP and received the party’s nomination form for the 2027 senatorial election, signalling his intention to seek re-election on the opposition platform.
The PDP senatorial nomination form was presented to him by the party’s Kwara State chairman, marking the first major step in his new political journey and potentially setting the stage for a fierce contest in Kwara Central ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mustapha’s defection followed his resignation from the APC after 13 years of membership. In his resignation letter, dated August 14, 2026, and addressed to the APC chairman of Gambari Ward 1 in Ilorin East Local Government Area, the senator said his decision was the outcome of extensive consultations with constituents, supporters, political associates and other stakeholders.
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The senator, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, said he joined the party because of its commitment to good governance, unity and service, but alleged that recent developments within the Kwara chapter had moved away from the principles upon which the party was founded.
He stressed that political leadership must be anchored on “integrity, competence, accountability and a sincere commitment to the collective interest of the people,” adding that, in his assessment, “the current leadership of the Party in Kwara State has fallen short of these standards.”
Mustapha said his decision was also rooted in his longstanding belief that politics should prioritise the welfare of the people rather than personal interests.
He also maintained that his political realignment would not affect his commitment to his constituents.
“While my political platform may change, my principles, my purpose and my commitment to the people remain unchanged,” he said.
His immediate move to the PDP and acquisition of the party’s 2027 senatorial nomination form have significantly changed the political calculations in Kwara Central, where he is the incumbent senator and has maintained a strong political presence over the years.
The development is also expected to trigger fresh alignments among political stakeholders and supporters across the senatorial district, while forcing the APC to reassess its strategy for retaining the seat.
Reacting to the APC crisis, the Kwara State chapter of the PDP, described Mustapha’s departure as a major setback for the ruling party and accused Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, of failing to unite the APC.
The PDP State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, said the senator’s resignation was evidence of what the opposition party described as deepening divisions within the APC.
“Governor AbdulRazaq has failed his party just as he has failed the people of Kwara State. He now presides over a party that is fatally fractured, internally weakened and increasingly rejected by ordinary Kwarans,” Adewara said.
He argued that Mustapha’s exit should not be viewed as an isolated development, alleging that other prominent APC figures had also left or were dissatisfied with the party’s direction.
“The resignation of Senator Saliu Mustapha is not an ordinary political development; it is a loud confirmation that the leadership crisis in the APC has reached a dangerous and irreversible stage,” Adewara stated.
The PDP spokesman further accused the state APC leadership of failing to accommodate influential stakeholders and urged other party members who were dissatisfied with the situation to reconsider their continued membership.
“We call on every distinguished Kwaran still trapped in the APC out of sheer reluctance to leave to summon courage and take the bold step now,” he said.
With Mustapha now formally on the PDP platform and holding the party’s 2027 Kwara Central senatorial form, attention will shift to how his defection affects the APC’s plans, the PDP’s prospects and the broader struggle for political control in Kwara State.
The development could also herald further negotiations, defections and realignments as political parties and their major actors intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
