Saliu Mustapha quits APC after weeks of consultations, citing political differences following a disputed Kwara governorship primary
Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in Nigeria’s National Assembly, resigned from the All Progressives Congress on Thursday, August 20, 2026, after weeks of consultations over developments surrounding the party’s controversial governorship primary in Kwara State.
Also read: Seriake Dickson hosts Kwankwaso as NDC prepares for 2027
Mustapha said his decision followed discussions with political stakeholders, supporters and constituents, as he reconsidered his future within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his resignation letter, the senator described the decision as difficult and said it was guided by his political principles and his assessment of the interests of the people he represents.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly,” Mustapha said.
He added that politics should be about “people, principles and purpose”, arguing that politicians should consider a new direction when a party’s path no longer sufficiently reflects those convictions and the aspirations of their constituents.
The resignation comes against the backdrop of tensions within the Kwara APC following its governorship primary.
Ten aspirants reportedly rejected the outcome of the exercise, alleging that the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Salihu Yahaya Danladi, had been favoured as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The controversy has exposed differences within the party as politicians position themselves for a significant electoral contest next year.
Mustapha, however, did not announce another political affiliation in his resignation statement.
Instead, the senator thanked APC leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the relationships and political experience he gained during his years with the party.
“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,” he said.
His departure could add further uncertainty to the political calculations in Kwara Central, where the senator has maintained a significant political presence.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Mustapha could seek the Peoples Democratic Party’s senatorial ticket for Kwara Central ahead of the 2027 election.
Such a move would potentially put him on a different political footing from Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and intensify competition within the state.
For now, Mustapha has left the APC without publicly confirming his next political destination.
His decision nevertheless marks a notable development within the ruling party’s preparations for 2027 and could have wider implications for the political alignment in Kwara State.
Also read: Seriake Dickson hosts Kwankwaso as NDC prepares for 2027
Mustapha ended his resignation message by reaffirming his commitment to his constituents and to public service, saying he would remain “steadfast in my service to the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria at large.”
