Senator Saliu Joins PDP, Sets Up Kwara Central Showdown With Gov. AbdulRazaq
Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, has formally joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a prolonged disagreement with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Mustapha picked the PDP senatorial nomination form on Friday, with the state party chairman, Hon. Isa Adamu Baw, presenting the form to him.
The development came only hours after the senator announced his resignation from the APC, bringing to an end months of speculation over his next political move.
According to party sources, Mustapha secured the PDP ticket following discussions with former lawmaker Moshood Mustapha, who had previously been considered for the party’s Kwara Central senatorial ticket.
His defection has now set the stage for a major political contest in Kwara Central, where he is expected to challenge Governor AbdulRazaq, who has secured the APC ticket to contest the same senatorial seat in the 2027 elections.
Mustapha’s departure from the APC followed months of internal disagreements over the party’s affairs, particularly the governorship primary that produced Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu as the party’s candidate.
The senator was among prominent stakeholders associated with the aggrieved G15 bloc, which raised concerns about the conduct of the primary.
Explaining his resignation, Mustapha said his decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders, supporters and constituents.
He maintained that politics should be guided by “people, principles and purpose,” adding that where a political platform no longer sufficiently reflects those values and the aspirations of the people, it becomes necessary to pursue a new direction.
The senator also expressed appreciation to 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 their interests remained intact.
Mustapha’s move to the PDP confirms earlier reports that the opposition party was considering him for its Kwara Central senatorial ticket following his fallout with the APC.
His defection is expected to further reshape the political landscape in Kwara State and could encourage other members of the aggrieved APC bloc to reconsider their political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development also transforms the disagreement within the APC into a direct electoral battle between the incumbent senator and the governor in Kwara Central.
