Senator Saliu Mustapha has resigned from the APC in Kwara after weeks of consultations, citing recent developments and a need to pursue a new political path.
The political situation within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has taken a fresh turn following the resignation of Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
Mustapha announced his decision to leave the ruling party in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page late Thursday.
He accompanied the announcement with a formal resignation letter dated August 14, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the APC in Gambari Ward 1, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The senator said his decision was reached after a period of consultations with various stakeholders, supporters, constituents and other concerned Kwarans.
He explained that he did not arrive at the decision suddenly, but carefully considered the political situation before taking what he described as a necessary step.
According to him, developments within the Kwara State chapter of the APC in recent weeks influenced his decision to discontinue his membership of the party.
“Following careful consideration of the recent developments in the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State, I have formally resigned my membership of the party in the state,” Mustapha stated.
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The senator explained that his consultations involved people within and outside his immediate political circle.
He said the discussions were necessary to enable him to properly assess the situation and understand the expectations of those he represents before making a final decision.
“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 added.
Mustapha’s departure is significant because he was elected to the Senate on the platform of the APC and has remained one of the prominent political figures associated with the party in Kwara State.
In explaining the principle behind his decision, the senator said his political activities had always been guided by the belief that public office should ultimately be about serving the people rather than merely belonging to a particular political organisation.
He maintained that politics should be driven by principles, purpose and the interests of the people, adding that political platforms could change when they no longer sufficiently reflect the values and aspirations of those being represented.
“As a politician, I have always believed that politics must be about people, principles and purpose.
“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,” he said.
Although he has ended his membership of the APC in the state, Mustapha did not attack the national leadership of the party in his resignation statement.
Instead, he expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who leads the APC at the national level, as well as other party leaders for the relationships and experiences he acquired during his time in the organisation.
“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 stated.
The senator also sought to reassure his supporters and constituents that leaving the APC would not mean abandoning his responsibilities to the people of Kwara Central.
He said his political affiliation could change, but his commitment to the people who elected him would remain firm.
“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,” Mustapha said.
He further reaffirmed his determination to continue working for his constituents and contributing to the development of Kwara State and Nigeria.
“I remain steadfast in my service to the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria at large,” he added.
The resignation comes against the backdrop of growing political activity in Kwara State as politicians and political groups begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC, which remains the ruling party in the state, has in recent times witnessed disagreements among some of its members and stakeholders over issues surrounding the direction and internal affairs of the party.
Mustapha had previously been associated with the G15/TOP, a group comprising aggrieved APC stakeholders in Kwara State.
The group emerged amid disagreements among party figures and has been critical of some developments within the state chapter.
His latest decision is therefore likely to attract significant political attention, particularly as preparations and alignments for the 2027 elections gradually intensify.
For the senator, however, the resignation appears to be a political decision based on what he described as a need to remain faithful to his principles and the interests of the people he represents.
While he has yet to publicly disclose the political platform he intends to join, his departure from the APC could trigger further conversations about possible realignments among politicians and political stakeholders in Kwara State.
The development may also have implications for the broader political contest in Kwara Central, where political parties are expected to intensify their activities as the 2027 elections approach.
For now, Mustapha has made it clear that his immediate priority remains representation and service, insisting that his exit from the APC does not alter his commitment to the people of Kwara Central or his wider responsibilities to the state and the country.
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