By Ghazali Ibrahim
Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, has secured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, hours after resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mustapha formally picked the PDP nomination form on Friday, with the party’s Kwara State Chairman, Isa Adamu Baw, presenting the form to him.
His move to the opposition party follows months of disagreements within the APC, particularly over the party’s governorship primary that produced Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu as its candidate.
Mustapha was among prominent APC stakeholders who rejected aspects of the primary process and subsequently became associated with the aggrieved G15 bloc.
His resignation from the APC earlier on Friday followed consultations with political stakeholders, supporters and constituents.
In his resignation statement, the senator said his decision was guided by his commitment to “people, principles and purpose,” arguing that it was necessary to seek a new political platform where the party’s direction no longer aligned with his convictions and the aspirations of his constituents.
Mustapha also thanked APC leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the relationships and experiences he gained during his time in the party.
He assured his constituents that although his political platform had changed, his principles and commitment to them remained unchanged.
His immediate acceptance by the PDP confirms weeks of speculation that the opposition party was preparing to accommodate him in Kwara Central.
Party sources said the ticket was handed to Mustapha after discussions involving former lawmaker Moshood Mustapha, who had earlier been considered for the PDP ticket in the senatorial district.
The development is expected to intensify the political contest in Kwara Central, particularly as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has also secured the APC ticket to contest the senatorial seat.
Mustapha’s defection therefore sets up a direct political battle between the incumbent senator, now running on the PDP platform, and the governor, who is seeking the same seat under the APC.
The development could further reshape the political landscape in Kwara ahead of the 2027 elections, with the possibility of other members of the aggrieved APC bloc realigning with opposition parties.
