The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the resignation of Senator Saliu Mustapha from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as evidence of a deepening leadership crisis within the ruling party.
The PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Olusegun Adewara, said Mustapha’s departure had further exposed divisions within the APC and raised questions about the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Adewara said the resignation of Mustapha, a serving senator and founding member of the APC, was not an ordinary political development but a sign of what he described as growing instability within the party.
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“Governor AbdulRazaq has failed his party just as he has failed the people of Kwara State,” Adewara said.
He alleged that the APC in Kwara had become fractured and was increasingly losing the confidence of residents.
‘Leadership Crisis Has Reached Dangerous Stage’
According to the PDP spokesman, the resignation confirmed that the leadership crisis within the APC had reached what he described as a “dangerous and irreversible stage.”
“A governor who cannot unite and retain the prominent leaders within his own political household cannot be trusted with the larger responsibility of providing stable and inclusive leadership for a complex state like Kwara,” he said.
The PDP also accused the governor of treating prominent political figures in the state as competitors rather than stakeholders.
Mustapha Resigns After Weeks of Consultation
Mustapha announced his resignation from the APC in a letter dated August 14 and addressed to the chairman of his Gambari Ward I in Ilorin East Local Government Area.
The senator said his decision followed weeks of consultations with stakeholders, supporters and constituents across Kwara Central.
“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 said.
Mustapha said he had always believed that politics should be driven by the interests of the people, principles and purpose.
He did not disclose his next political destination, although his resignation has triggered speculation about a possible alignment with the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite leaving the party, Mustapha expressed appreciation to the APC leadership, led by President Bola Tinubu, for the relationships and experiences he gained during his time in the party.
He also assured his constituents that his resignation would not affect his commitment to serving them.
“My political platform may change, my principles, my purpose and my commitment to the people remain unchanged,” he said.
APC Yet to Take Position
The Kwara APC said it had yet to issue an official reaction to the senator’s resignation.
The party’s spokesperson, Babatunde Olawale, said the APC’s position would be communicated in due course.
Mustapha’s resignation comes amid political realignments in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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.