By Beatrice Gondyi
Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, has officially resigned his membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC), becoming the latest high-profile figure to exit the ruling party in the state amid intensifying political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Senator announced his resignation late Thursday via a post on his verified Facebook page, accompanied by a formal resignation letter dated August 14, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the APC, Gambari Ward 1, Ilorin East Local Government Area.
In his resignation statement, Mustapha disclosed that the decision was not impulsive but the culmination of weeks of extensive consultations with stakeholders, supporters, and constituents across Kwara Central, as well as other well-meaning Kwarans.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly. It follows weeks of extensive consultations and engagements with relevant stakeholders, my supporters, constituents across Kwara Central Senatorial District, and well-meaning Kwarans,” he stated.
The Senator, who was elected to the National Assembly on the APC platform, said his departure was necessitated by recent developments within the Kwara State chapter of the party, though he did not specify the exact nature of the disagreements.
However, Mustapha offered a philosophical rationale for his exit, emphasizing that his political journey has always been anchored on core convictions.
“As a politician, I have always believed that politics must be about people, principles and purpose,” he declared.
“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.”
Despite his resignation, Mustapha struck a conciliatory tone toward the national leadership of the APC, expressing profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the relationships and experiences gained during his tenure in the party.
“To the leadership of the APC ably led by H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I express my deepest gratitude for the relationships and experiences I have been afforded over the years,” he said.
In a message aimed at reassuring his political base, Mustapha emphasized that his resignation from the APC would not diminish his dedication to serving the people of Kwara Central and the state at large.
“To my constituents, supporters, political associates and stakeholders in Kwara State and beyond, I assure you that while my political platform may change, my principles, my purpose and my commitment to the people remain unchanged,” he affirmed.
“I remain steadfast in my service to the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria at large.”
Mustapha’s resignation is the latest development in an ongoing political realignment within Kwara State’s political landscape. The Senator had previously been associated with the G15/TOP group, a coalition of aggrieved APC stakeholders in the state who have voiced concerns over the party’s leadership and direction.
His departure comes amid growing internal disagreements within the Kwara APC chapter and follows a series of strategic meetings involving political heavyweights in the state, signaling the possibility of a broader realignment ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Political observers are now watching closely to see whether Mustapha will declare allegiance to another political platform or form a new coalition with other aggrieved parties.
The Senator has not yet disclosed his next political destination, but his statement has left the door open for new alliances, stating: “Where the path of a political platform no longer sufficiently aligns… the honourable thing to do is to chart a new course.”
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