Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, has formally joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and secured the party’s senatorial ticket for the district ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mustapha’s defection came only hours after he announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing developments within the Kwara State chapter of the party.
A video circulating online on Friday showed the Kwara PDP Chairman, Issa Bawa, presenting the party’s senatorial ticket to the former APC lawmaker.
The development effectively ends weeks of speculation over Mustapha’s political future, following reports of disagreements within the APC and uncertainty over his political ambitions.
The senator, who is also the Turaki of Ilorin Emirate, announced his resignation from the APC in a letter issued on Thursday after what he described as weeks of consultations with political stakeholders, supporters, constituents and other well-meaning Kwarans.
Mustapha said his decision was based on his conviction that political participation should be guided by the interests of the people, principles and a sense of purpose.
He said where a political platform no longer adequately reflected those values and the aspirations of the people being represented, there was a need to seek a new direction.
“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 said.
The senator thanked the APC leadership, including President Bola Tinubu, for the relationships and experiences he gained during his time in the party.
He also assured his constituents that his decision to change political platforms would not affect his commitment to their welfare and development.
“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.
Mustapha’s move had been anticipated following reports that he was considering joining the PDP.
The reports emerged amid an internal crisis in the Kwara APC, with the senator said to be dissatisfied after his defeat in the party’s governorship primary and his inability to secure the APC’s senatorial ticket for Kwara Central.
There were also reports of widening disagreements among party stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections.
The possibility of Mustapha joining the PDP gained traction after the party’s Kwara Central senatorial candidate, Yinka Otukoko, appeared to indicate his readiness to step aside.
In a response to a post by APC Kwara South senatorial aspirant, Nurudeen Adeyemi, on the ‘Kwara Commission’ WhatsApp platform, Otukoko wrote: “My ticket is for either Saliu Mustapha of G15 or Mashood Mustapha.”
The statement fuelled speculation that negotiations were ongoing within the PDP to accommodate the senator.
The uncertainty over the PDP ticket intensified on August 12 when billboards featuring former federal lawmaker Mashood Mustapha, popularly known as MM, appeared in parts of the state.
A senior PDP stakeholder had subsequently said discussions were still ongoing, while identifying Mashood Mustapha as a possible candidate.
However, the party has now handed the ticket to Saliu Mustapha, putting an end to the speculation.
The development sets up a potentially competitive senatorial contest in Kwara Central in 2027, with Mustapha expected to challenge the APC candidate, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The outcome of the contest could also influence the wider political dynamics in Kwara State as parties prepare for the 2027 governorship and House of Assembly elections.
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