Controversy has emerged over the alleged participation of the senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha, in the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries.
The development followed the circulation of a document on social media listing Mustapha among aspirants cleared by the party to contest the Senate primary election.
In the document, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was listed as number 17, while Mustapha appeared as number 18 among cleared aspirants.
Mustapha Rejects Document
However, the senator has distanced himself from the list, describing it as fake and misleading.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Nasif Solagberu, Mustapha insisted that he never obtained nomination forms to contest for the Senate.
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According to the statement, the lawmaker only purchased APC nomination forms for the Kwara State governorship race ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Saliu Mustapha officially obtained APC nomination forms to contest for the governorship of Kwara State in the 2027 general elections,” the statement said.
“He did so openly, willingly and publicly in full view of party leaders, stakeholders, supporters and the general public.”
Senator Denies Screening for Senate Contest
The statement further maintained that Mustapha neither participated in the Senate screening exercise nor expressed interest in contesting for another senatorial term.
“At no time did Senator Saliu Mustapha obtain nomination forms for the Senate, neither did he participate in or undergo any screening process for the senatorial contest,” the statement added.
The senator’s camp challenged anyone with contrary evidence to make it public.
Supporters Asked to Ignore Viral List
Mustapha also urged APC members and the public to disregard the circulating document, describing it as misinformation spread by political opponents seeking to create confusion within the party.
“Party members and the general public are advised to ignore the fake list and the desperate misinformation being circulated by mischief makers whose sole aim is to create confusion within the party,” the statement said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.