Saliu Mustapha secures PDP ticket for Kwara Central hours after leaving APC, reshaping the political contest ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections
Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, secured the Peoples Democratic Party senatorial ticket for the district in Kwara State on Friday, August 21, 2026, just hours after announcing his resignation from the All Progressives Congress.
Also read: Kwara Senator Saliu Mustapha Quits APC
The ticket was formally handed to Mustapha by Kwara State PDP Chairman, Issa Bawa, in a development that swiftly confirmed the senator’s new political home ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mustapha’s move followed his resignation from the APC, which he said was prompted by recent developments within the party in Kwara State.
In his resignation letter, the senator said he had reached the decision after weeks of consultations with political stakeholders, supporters, constituents and other residents of the state.
Mustapha, who is also the Turaki of the Ilorin Emirate, said his decision was rooted in his belief that political activity should remain connected to the interests and aspirations of the people.
“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,” Mustapha said.
He thanked the APC leadership, including President Bola Tinubu, for the relationships and experience gained during his time in the party.
The senator also sought to reassure constituents that changing political platforms would not alter his commitment to Kwara Central.
“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.
The rapid transition had been preceded by weeks of political uncertainty within the Kwara APC.
Mustapha had reportedly been weighing his options following his defeat in the party’s governorship primary, difficulties surrounding the APC’s Kwara Central senatorial ticket and disagreements within the party.
The possibility of his defection to the PDP became increasingly apparent earlier in August.
Reports indicated that the PDP was considering reserving its Kwara Central ticket for the senator should he leave the APC.
The speculation intensified after Yinka Otukoko, who had emerged as the PDP’s Kwara Central senatorial candidate, appeared to signal his willingness to give way.
“My ticket is for either Saliu Mustapha of G15 or Mashood Mustapha,” Otukoko wrote in response to a post on the WhatsApp platform Kwara Commission.
The development subsequently added another layer to the political calculations surrounding the constituency.
Former federal lawmaker Mashood Mustapha had also emerged as a potential PDP contender, with his supporters putting up billboards bearing his image earlier this month.
A PDP stakeholder had previously indicated that discussions were ongoing and that Mashood Mustapha was being considered for the ticket, although the final decision remained with the party.
The latest decision has now settled that uncertainty, with Saliu Mustapha formally taking the PDP ticket for Kwara Central.
His emergence is expected to produce a significant contest in the senatorial district, particularly with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq identified as the APC candidate for the 2027 race.
The contest will be closely watched because of Mustapha’s existing political profile and his experience as a serving senator.
His movement from the APC to the PDP also comes at a time when political parties are intensifying preparations for the 2027 elections.
For the PDP, securing a sitting senator with established support in Kwara Central represents a potentially important gain.
For the APC, Mustapha’s departure creates a fresh challenge as the party seeks to consolidate its position in the district.
The political consequences may extend beyond the senatorial race.
Kwara State is expected to see increasingly intense competition ahead of the 2027 governorship and legislative elections, with party alignments and defections likely to influence the calculations of both major political camps.
Also read: Kwara Senator Saliu Mustapha Quits APC
Mustapha’s move therefore marks more than a change of party. It has swiftly altered the political landscape in Kwara Central and set the stage for a closely watched 2027 contest.
