Senator Saliu Mustapha has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, citing a misalignment between his political principles and the party's direction in Kwara State. In a statement issued late Thursday and posted on his verified Facebook page, Mustapha addressed the chairman of his ward in Gambari 1, Ilorin East Local Government Area, confirming his departure from the party. He stated the decision followed weeks of consultations with political stakeholders, supporters and constituents in Kwara Central, and was guided by his belief that politics should be driven by people, principles and purpose. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC leadership for opportunities gained during his tenure.
Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly and holds the traditional title of Turaki of Ilorin Emirate, had contested the APC governorship primary held on May 22. The primary, delayed by one day, produced Yakubu Danladi Salihu as the party's candidate, polling 94,990 votes. Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki came second with 41,700 votes, while Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa placed third with 22,118 votes. The outcome triggered internal conflict, fracturing party unity after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's initial endorsement of Seriki was overtaken by events favouring Salihu. This led to the formation of the G15 bloc, comprising ten aggrieved aspirants including Mustapha, who petitioned President Tinubu in June over the crisis.
The group accused the state leadership of undermining the coalition behind the 2019 victory and warned of potential defections to opposition parties. In July, they declared themselves a formidable bloc and maintained support for Tinubu's re-election despite rejecting the APC's Kwara candidates. Mustapha affirmed his continued commitment to the people of Kwara Central and Nigeria, regardless of political platform.
Saliu Mustapha's resignation highlights a rift between personal political principles and party leadership decisions in Kwara. His departure signals potential realignment among APC stakeholders ahead of 2027, especially given the G15 bloc's rejection of the primary outcome. The group's ongoing engagement with opposition parties raises questions about the APC's hold on Kwara's political landscape.
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