The political storm rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has exploded into a fresh battle line ahead of the 2027 elections, as Senator Saliu Mustapha, who lost his bid for an automatic return ticket in the ruling party, has joined the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mustapha, the lawmaker representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, formally secured the PDP senatorial ticket on Friday, setting up a high-profile clash with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who will fly the APC flag for the same senatorial seat.
The development came barely hours after the senator announced his resignation from the APC following months of internal wrangling and political disagreements with the governor and other party leaders.
The PDP Kwara State Chairman, Hon. Isa Adamu Bawa, presented the nomination form to Mustapha, signalling the opposition party’s readiness to make the senator the face of its campaign in Kwara Central.
Sources within the party said the decision followed consultations involving former lawmaker Moshood Mustapha, who was initially being considered for the PDP ticket before stepping aside for the senator.
Mustapha’s defection has transformed the APC’s internal crisis into one of the biggest political battles ahead of the 2027 polls, with the incumbent senator now preparing to challenge the governor on the platform of the opposition party.
The senator’s exit from the APC followed the controversy surrounding the party’s governorship primary election, where Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu emerged as the party’s candidate. Mustapha was among prominent stakeholders who questioned aspects of the process and became associated with the aggrieved APC G15 group.
In his resignation statement, Mustapha said his decision followed extensive consultations with supporters, political associates and constituents, stressing that public service should remain guided by principles and the interests of the people.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC leaders for the opportunities and relationships built during his time in the party, but said changing political platforms would not affect his commitment to his constituents.
The move had been widely anticipated, with reports indicating that the PDP and opposition figures, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki, had been engaging with the senator after his fallout with the APC.
With Mustapha now wearing the PDP colours, Kwara Central is set to witness a fierce political contest in 2027 as the senator seeks to retain his seat against AbdulRazaq, who is banking on the strength of the APC structure and his popularity as the state governor.
The senator’s defection could also trigger more movements within the APC, especially among members of the aggrieved bloc who have remained unhappy with developments inside the party.
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Kwara APC Crisis Deepens As Senator Saliu Mustapha Dumps Party Over 2027 Battle
