Nigeria: Senator Mustapha Dumps APC, Set to Join Kwara PDP

What the report says

Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central and chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, has resigned from Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress, according to a report distributed by AllAfrica from THISDAY. The move was announced in Ilorin and comes as political actors position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

The article says Mustapha may be heading to the Peoples Democratic Party, where he could seek the party’s ticket for Kwara Central. It also notes speculation that he could face a senior APC figure in the next poll, although that outcome remains uncertain. The report links his departure to disputes around APC primaries in Kwara, including complaints about irregularities and an internal reconciliation effort that did not resolve the tensions.

In his resignation notice, Mustapha said the decision followed consultations with supporters and stakeholders and reflected his view that politics should serve people, principles and purpose. He thanked APC leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while saying his commitment to constituents and public service would continue. The report also says another APC figure from Patigi local government, Hon. Kolo Jiya, has left for the PDP, underscoring wider party realignments in the state.

More broadly, the development fits into early maneuvering for 2027 in Kwara, where party disputes and nomination battles appear to be shaping defections and alliances.