Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, paving the way for his planned defection to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Mr Mustapha announced his resignation in a letter dated August 14, 2026, addressed to the APC Ward Chairman of Gambari Ward 1 in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The senator said his decision followed weeks of consultations with his constituents, supporters, political associates, stakeholders and other well-meaning Kwarans over recent developments within the party in the state.
Mr Mustapha, 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 to the people.
However, he expressed concern that the current leadership of the party in Kwara State had departed from the principles upon which the APC was founded.
“However, recent developments within the APC in our state, particularly the leadership of the party in Kwara State, have departed from the founding core principles of collective unity and internal democracy on which the APC was built,” he said.
According to him, the development had eroded his confidence in the party’s leadership in the state.
“I believe political leadership must be anchored on integrity, competence, accountability and a sincere commitment to the collective interest of the people.
“The current leadership of the party in Kwara State has fallen short of these standards and this has eroded my confidence in them,” he said.
The senator stressed that his resignation was not a decision taken lightly, saying it followed “careful reflection and extensive consultations” with stakeholders and people across his senatorial district.
Mr Mustapha said his decision was guided by his belief that political leadership should be centred on the interests of the people, principles and purpose.
“As a politician, I have always believed that politics must be about people, principles and purpose. 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.
“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 resignation comes amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians and supporters across the country weighing their options ahead of the next electoral cycle.
